39cm x 12.5cm x 2.7cm Wahaika
40cm x 9cm x 3.5cm Base
Made in NZ from sustainably harvested tulip wood.
This piece has Pāua inlay set in the eyes and belongs to the Meremere or short combat weapons group. Waha-ika means the mouth of the fish. If you look at the shape of the weapon it looks like the shape of a whale’s lower jaw bone.
Was used where quick in-fighting action required thrusting jabs. Wahaika has two vital components.
The recess is used for piercing the stomach, and the figurine (guardian) to protect the user should he be attacked from behind.
Can be engraved for an additional $30 and a Cloak (korowai) can be purchased for an additional $15 to go over the piece when presenting it to the intended recipient.
Wood grain and colour may vary from the one pictured.