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Story: Kurī – Polynesian dogs

Decorative kurī hair

Image
Decorative kurī hair

Shown from different angles, this carved taiaha (fighting staff) is decorated with white hair (known as awe) from a kurī. The hair was used to distract an opponent, because it would move as the weapon was wielded.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: MA_I036464

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Kurī – Polynesian dogs – Uses of kurī, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/16234/decorative-kuri-hair (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 1 March 2009.