This Small Taiaha for Kids is perfect for kapa haka performances at schools, pre-schools, and at home.

The MDF taiaha has a clever print on the tongue (both sides), making it look just like the real thing.  There's fake fur instead of feathers.

Obviously it has a pointy end so you'll need to supervise your littlies when they use this, but it will be worthwhile to see them act like the kapa haka performers they look up to.

The taiaha measures approximately 43.5cm (17 1/8") long.  It comes with an information booklet, which contains the following information:

The Taiaha is the best known of the Maori weapons.  It is often mistaken for a spear, but in reality it was never made for throwing.  It varied in length from 1.2 - 1.8 metres and was typically crafted from hardwood and sometimes whalebone.  It has three main parts: the arero (tongue), used for thrusting and stabbing an opponent; the upoko (head), carved on both sides, from which the tongue protrudes; and the ate (liver) or tinana (body), a long staff with a flat bladed end which was used for striking or parrying.  The arero and upoko were often ornately carved and adorned with a tauri (collar) of bird feathers and/or dog hair.  Maori were fierce warriors who conducted most of their warfare in close quarter hand-to-hand combat.  Their range of weapons were designed for the quick thrusting and striking movements typical of this style of fighting.  They were crafted from wood, whalebone, greenstone and stone.  Young boys would begin training in the use of weapons at a very young age.  Particular attention was paid to dexterity, speed and in particular, strengthening of the wrists, because all of their weapons required quick hand movements.  War parties were usually composed of males; however females would sometimes take part.  Maori were experts in the art of ambush and surprise raids, appearing and disappearing swiftly and noiselessly into the thick New Zealand rainforest.

The taiaha is proudly made in New Zealand, and shipped worldwide.

Purchase on its own, or on a stand, or on a stand with engraved plaque.  Up to 6 words allowed for engraving.  Please note that the stand cannot be returned, unless we have got the engraving wrong, which is unlikely.  Allow 3-5 days for engraving to be done.