Hoeroa (whale bone weapon)

About this item

Title

Hoeroa (whale bone weapon)

Content partner

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Collection

Te Papa Collections Online

Description

The hoeroa (whale bone staff) is an enigmatic taonga made from the lower jaw of the sperm whale. Hoeroa were usually owned by high-ranking men, and represented their personal mana (chiefly authority). They are prestigious heirlooms. Hoeroa are also weapons, but the technical aspects of their use are no longer known. It is thought they may have been both a throwing and hand held weapon. HistoryNgā Puhi leader and politician Hone Mohi Tāwhai, rangatira (tribal leader) of Te Māhurehure, a sub-tr...

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Format

Image

Date created

1800-1875

URL

https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/56117

Related subjects

whale bone (bone) / hoeroa / edged weapons / carving / Hokianga Harbour / Te Puawaitanga: 1500 - 1800 / Te Māhurehure (Ngā Puhi) / Hōne Mohi Tāwhai / Reverend William Rowse

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All Rights Reserved

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