Katoua

Katoua. Cleaving club. This is a single component made completely from a wood type that is reddish and brown in colour. The two ends of this katoua contrast each other in shape and form and are both utilized for combat or performance in Niuean culture. One end portrays a cylindrical section covered by a coil of pulu (cordage of coconut sennit fibres) where a medium sized fua pule (cowrie shell) has been threaded onto a loose strand. This segment is then followed by a collar and a cone-like form finished with a point. The mid section of the katoua changes in depth showing two flat surfaces. The opposite of the end has been carved out to form a blade with three points where a centre ridge-line begins from the mid-section towards the extended and curved point. Its surface texture is smooth, shows some slight polish and nicks along the edges. Katoua are a type of weapon used in war in former times. The blade part would be used to slash one's opponent and the pointed shaft could be used to pierce. Today, it is common to see the katoua being used in cultural dances such as the takalo (war dance) and the meke (drum dance).

Other Name

Cleaving club (English)

Place

[Niue]/Pacific

Accession Number

1925.159

Accession Date

1925

Other Id

14392 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific