Maori War Axe ‘Toki Kakauroa’ with fine carving

A fine and rare Maori War axe ‘Toki Kakauroa’ or long handled hatchet from New Zealand. These weapons were related to other Maori long handled clubs and axes pouwkenua, tewhatewha, taiaha used before Western contact. The long tapering handle becoming a point at its end which was used offensively, the top end mounted with a heavy iron trade axe head. The dense dark wood is most attractively carved with bands of ornamentation near the top, a small carved feature also towards the spiked foot. Regular notched decoration can be seen along the top edges of the axehead. Approximately 132 cms long overall, circa 1800.