Club (Kotiate)

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs

Culture Māori

Date19th Century

Made AtNew Zealand

MediumWhalebone, shell and wax

Dimensions14 3/8 x 6 x 3/4 in. (36.5 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Herbert Baker

Object number92.23.1

DescriptionThe Kotiate is one of three types of Maori war clubs, typically made of whalebone or wood. The word Kotiate means 'to cut or divide the liver,' with koti meaning "cut in two or divide" and ate meaning "liver," which the shape of the club resembles the lobed part of the human liver. Although design varies, the bird-like motif with the shell eye detail on the handle is called manaia, which according to Maori belief is a mythological creature associated with mana, the sacred power of Polynesian and Melanesian cultures.

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