Arohaina's Taiaha

As part of our inquiry into Kiwiana culture, we have been bringing objects from home to share.
Today Arohaina brought her taiaha to show. It is special to her because her older brother carved it for her.
She explained to us that the taiaha has an upoko (head) with eyes and an arero (tongue) which must not touch the ground.

A taiaha is seen in the New Zealand coat of arms (designed in 1911) and is often seen during the wero (the traditional challenge during a pōwhiri).

In this photo Arohaina is also holding a tiki carved from greenstone.
Thank you Arohaina for sharing your taonga with us!