• weapon made from whale bone carved in New Zealand by Maori
  • maori weapon patu made from whale bone and carved in New Zealand
  • photo showing whale bone maori patu weapon
  • reverse side of maori weapon patu carved from whale bone
  • close up showing detail of maori patu made from whalebone
  • close up of maori patu weapon handle made from whale bone
  • close up photo of handle detail of maori patu
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Hand Carved Whale Bone Patu - by Alex Sands

$3,650.00 NZD
$3,650.00 NZD
Sale Sold
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Whale Bone Patu carved from the jaw of a sperm whale

Handcarved by Alex Sands of Ngunguru Iwi

approx 35cm x 9cm x 1.5cm

Genuine whale bone - this particular piece cannot be exported due to cities protocols

About Patu:

The word patu in the Māori language means to strike, hit, beat, kill or subdue. 

Originally a Maori weapon known for its swift and powerful strikes, the Patu represents strength and protection. When given as a 21st key or koha (gift), it takes on a new meaning, symbolizing not only the passage into adulthood but also the enduring legacy of Maori culture.

In addition to being a fighting weapon, rangatira would hold wahaika during ceremonies and speeches, especially if they wanted people to pay attention to something important. Special wahaika would only be given to people with considerable ranking in the Maori tribal structure.