Tao

human history

Tao. Spear. This tao consists of a long cylindrical wooden shaft which has a sharpened ulu tao (spear head) carved from kieto (ebony) lashed to one end with pulu (coconut sennit). The shaft is smooth in surface treatment and reddish brown in colour. It is reduced in width towards the base. The ulu tao is carved to a point at its apex, with six barbs before the tip. Three carved 'cuffs' are incorporated features towards the base end of the ulu tao. The base of the ulu tao is likely reduced in width as a means of slotting into the cylindrical wooden haft.

Last Update: 24 Sept 2019
Other Name

Spear (English)

Place
Niue
Accession Date

Unknown

Other Id

28314.2 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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