This unidentified chief, possibly from the Whanganui region, holds a tewhatewha, the two-handed weapon used for both fighting and signalling during battle. Below its distinctive axe-blade-type head is a bunch of feathers, for confusing an opponent in battle or to help the user signal to his followers.
Using this item
Alexander Turnbull Library, Tesla Studios Collection (PAColl-3046)
Reference:
1/1-023308-G
Photograph by Frank J. Denton
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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