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Katoua

human history
  • Ingoa Kē

    Cleaving club (English)

  • Kupu whakaahua

    Katoua. Cleaving club. This is a single component made completely from a wood type that is brown in colour with an addition of dark brown lau ulu (hair). 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 that has been covered by a coil of lau ulu. The wood colour beneath this is faded and light in colour.

    It is then followed by a collar and then 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 and shows some slight polish. 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).

  • Wāhi
  • Accession Number
    1959.72.1
  • Rā Tāpiringa
    1959
  • Tohu Tuakiri Kē

    35701 (ethnology)

  • Wāhanga
Katoua, 1959.72.1, 35701, Photographed by Jennifer Carol,… … Read more

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