Taiaha (Maori Two-Handed Staff Sword)
Slashing / Thrusting / Polearm
Quick Facts
Martial Arts
OriginNew Zealand (Maori People / Mau Rākau) (Antiquity / 16th-19th Century)
Wield TypeDouble-handed
MaterialCarved hardwood with carved tongue (Arero) and blade (Rau)
Length150 - 180 cm cm
Weight1.0 - 1.8 kg kg
History
Sacred two-handed wooden staff-sword of Maori warriors in New Zealand, mastered in Mau Rākau. Consists of a carved tongue spear-head (Arero) and a flattened cleaving blade (Rau).
About
The carved tongue (Arero) delivers rapid facial jabs and deceptive feints, while the flattened blade (Rau) strikes heavy two-handed slashes.