Tao. Spear. This is a carved tao made from pau (Manilkara wood). The handle of this tao has been broken off and all that remains is the head of the tao. At the bottom the head is an embedded nail that has rusted over time. From the base of the spear head begins as an eight-sided pole with a smooth unpolished surface. The pole then widens a number of carved tala (barbs) angled in different directions. This is to ensure the most damage when used against an opponent. The ornate carving has a decorative appearance and resembles a flower. From this carving the spear head narrows to an eight sided pole. This pole is adorned with two bands of mamanu (Samoan decorative feature). These mamanu are made of triangular indents and are filled with a white substance. In between the two mamanu bands the word SAMOA has been carved by hand into the spear head. The pole widens once again to a number of carved tala before narrowing to a point. The point of the spear head is blunt may indicate that it was broken during combat. A tao such as this would have been reserved and used by ali'i (high chiefs) and toa Samoa (Samoan warriors) during times of war. These individuals had the strength and the status to wield such a large 'au'upega (weapon of war).