Pouwhenua (long handled pointed fighting staff)

A large and very heavy pouwhenua with a massive, broad rau (blade), and a rich dark patina. The pouwhenua belongs to the same class of weapon as the tewhatewha and taiaha, a long handled fighting weapon designed for stabbing, parrying and striking. In the hands of an expert weapons like the pouwhenua were highly effective and could deliver death with a single blow delivered at lightning speed.