condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white
discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

Katoua

human history
  • Other Name

    Cleaving club (English)

  • Description

    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).

  • Place
  • Accession Number
    1925.159
  • Accession Date
    1925
  • Other Id

    14392 (ethnology)

  • Department
Katoua, 1925.159, 14392, Photographed by Jennifer Carol,… … Read more

Images and documents

Images

Artefact

The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity