Maori Kotiate Hand Club, New Zealand

Maori Kotiate Hand Club, New Zealand

An exceptional example of indigenous Oceanic craftsmanship, this Maori Kotiate hand club dates from circa 1800 and epitomises the martial heritage of traditional Māori society. Reflecting the style and ceremonial importance of its era, this hand club is a rare and visually striking artefact.

Origin: New Zealand
Date: Circa 1800
Material: Vesi wood

Dimensions: Height: 30 cm (12 ins), Width: 11 cm (4.3 ins), Depth: 3 cm (1.2 ins)

Condition: Excellent patina, with minor wear consistent with age

This 18th/19th-century Māori Kotiate hand club is a significant collectible, comparable to notable examples held in national museums and esteemed private collections. Kotiate, meaning “split open” in Māori, refers to the unique double-lobed shape inspired by the outline of the human ribcage. Revered for both its artistry and effectiveness as a weapon, the Kotiate played a crucial role in tradition and ceremony, often denoting high status and ancestral lineage.

Notable Features:

• Expert Craftsmanship: Hand-carved from prized Vesi wood, known for its density and rich hue, showcasing intricate shaping and refined finishing.
• Distinctive Design: Emblematic double-lobed form, with elegant curves and flowing symmetry, representative of Māori fighting implements and symbolic motifs.
• Collecting Significance: Rare survivals such as this are highly desirable, valued for their historical authenticity, evocative form, and links to ceremonial Māori practice.
• Practical Display Value: This Maori Kotiate hand club makes a superb focal point for a collection of Oceanic artefacts, and is equally suited for display in a home, study, or gallery.

This ceremonial Māori artefact is an impressive testament to the traditions and beliefs of indigenous New Zealand. With distinguished provenance and a form that balances artistry and function, it holds great appeal for the discerning collector of Oceanic collectibles. Such a piece not only enhances any curatorial context but stands as a tangible link to the cultural and ceremonial narratives of Aotearoa.