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Wahaika - Unearthed Art
Reimagine Traditional Maori Weapons as Wooden Art!
Weapons can be inspirational as well as destructive. Be inspired by a Wahaika. This Wahaika is a traditional Maori Weapon beautifully reproduced as a stunning piece of wooden art. Removed from its original purpose, the Wahaika is a gorgeous sculpture with a proud history behind it.
Traditionally, Wahaika were used in close-combat. Held by the leather thong, the Wahaika could be wielded in short, thrusting jabs. With a flick of the Maori Warrior’s wrist, the scooped out indent of the Wahaika could catch an opponent’s weapon to effectively disarm them. More than just a weapon of war, Wahaika like this one were often ornately carved. This was believed to increase the mana, or prestige, of the weapon which in turn increased the mana of the Maori Warrior who wielded it. The earliest Wahaika were worked with only stone tools. It took a large amount of skill to carve weapons such as Wahaika, and they were precious objects which were passed down through the generations. Stunning New Zealand Paua Shell inserts add an extra dimension to this piece. They serve as the eyes of the figure which adorns this Wahaika. Paua Shell eyes are a traditional decorate element which can be seen on many pieces of Maori carving. Ornate Wahaika were admired as much for the skill which had gone into carving them as their deadliness in battle.
Like the rest of the Unearthed Art range, this Wahaika is made from Swamp Kauri. The Kauri is salvaged from peat swamps and is over 45,000 years old - some of the oldest workable wood on earth! No trees are cut down to make Unearthed Art and Unearthed is committed to sustainable, carbon neutral business practices.
Take home a piece of traditional Maori art and a piece of history with this stunning Wahaika from Unearthed Art. Replica Maori weapons can be inspirational pieces of wooden art and make wonderful New Zealand gifts, no matter who you’re buying for.
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