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Tao

human history
  • Other Name

    Taomataua (Niuean)

    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 shaft is smooth in surface treatment and light brown in colour. It is reduced in width towards the base. The ulu tao is carved with seventeen barbs before the sharpened 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
  • Accession Date
    1891
  • Other Id

    10914 (ethnology)

  • Department
Tao, 10914, Cultural Permissions Apply

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