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Tao

human history
  • Other Name

    Spear (English)

  • Description

    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 pulu is medium brown in colour. 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 eight barbs before the tip.

    Two 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.

  • Place
    Niue
  • Accession Number
    1931.580
  • Accession Date
    16 Nov 1931
  • Other Id

    16852.1 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

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