Seasonal warfare between different tribes became an established feature of Māori life. Battles were fought over resources and to maintain tribal prestige. Weapons for combat, which was usually hand-to-hand, were made of stone and wood. This superbly carved wooden wahakia (a type of club) was collected by James Cook on his first voyage to New Zealand. It has since been returned to New Zealand.
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Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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