Maori Long Club, New Zealand

taiaha

Lieut. Robert W. H. Hardy, R.N. (1794-1871), Bath, reportedly collected in situ circa 1820
James Hooper, Arundel
Christie's, London, Hawaiian and Maori Art from the James Hooper Collection, June 21, 1977, lot 37 (part)
Lynda Cunningham, New York, acquired at the above auction

Steven Phelps, Art and Artefacts of the Pacific, Africa and the Americas: the James Hooper Collection, London, 1976, p. 58, pl. 26, no. 227

Good condition overall. Nicks, chips, scratches, and abrasions throughout. Three of shell inlaid eyes are missing. Has thin age cracks to the head and the body of the club. Has a fine patina. Inscribed near the bottom of the club with Hooper collection number in white ink 'H. 227'.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The taiaha was the most widely favored of the three types of two-handed long clubs used by Maori. The pointed end is in the form of a carved tongue sticking out from an open mouth. This gesture was 'a ritualized challenge given by Maori warriors, and thus the form of the weapon is connected to one of its aggressive functions' (Hooper, Pacific Encounters, London, 2006, p. 141).

The present taiaha is unusually long; the British Museum's large collection of Maori long clubs contains only one of similar scale (inv. no. Q1980 OC.1276, purchased from the United Service Institution Museum).