Staff, taiaha, of wood, from New Zealand; part of the Forster collection (Forster 111; 1886.1.1465)

Wooden staff/club, taiaha. Carved from a single piece of wood with inset eyes of haliotis shell. The 'business' end is in the form of a projecting tongue in the classical gesture of the Maori warrior's ritual challenge. Also used as an orator's staff

• Museum database entry.