Carved Taiaha.

A taiaha (Mãori pronunciation: [taiaha]) is atraditional weapon of the Maori of NewZealand; a close-quarters staff weapon made fromeither wood or whalebone, and used for short, sharpstrikes or stabbing thrusts with efficient footwork onthe part of the wielder. Taiaha are usually between 5 and 6 feet (1.5 and1.8 m) in length. It has three main parts; the arero(tongue), used for stabbing the opponent andparrying; the upoko (head), the base from which thetongue protrudes; and the ate (liver) or tinana (body),the long flat blade which is also used for strikingand parrying Mau rakau is the martial art that teaches the use ofthe taiaha and other Mãori weapons in combat. Aswith other martial arts styles students of the taiahaspend years mastering the skills of timing, balanceand co-ordination necessary to wield the weaponeffectively. The taiaha is widely known due to its usein the wero the traditional Mãori challenge duringthe põwhiri, a formal welcoming ceremony. A wero is commonly given to heads of state and visitingdignitaries welcomed to New Zealand. The taiaha is one of many cultural items which areused to introduce children in school to Mãoriculture. They are also used in present-day kapahaka competitions, and training with the taiaha isseen as part of the Mãori cultural revival. History The use of traditional Mãori weaponry declined afterthe Europeans arrived in New Zealand Weaponssuch as the taiaha were replaced by the Europeans'muskets and para whakawai, or traditional Mãoriweaponry training schools, disappeared altogether. As a result, the traditional weaponry knowledge waslost among many Maori tribes. Some tribesmanaged to maintain their distinctive traditions bypassing down traditional knowledge secretlybetween a few chosen individuals. During the Mãori cultural renaissance in the 1980s, there has been a renewed interest and cultivation oftraditional weapons. Although there is a muchnarrower range of traditional weapons beingrevived, the Mãori weaponry has expanded tobecome a significant trademark of Mãori culture.This revival has been part of the larger Mãoricultural renaissance that began in the late 1960s.The survival of Mãori weaponry was only possiblewith the work and activism of remaining experts likelrirangi Tiakiawa, Pita Sharples, John Rangihau,Matiu Mareikura and Mita Mohi.