Kotiate Maire - Native Timber Club

Kotiate are a type of short thrusting/cutting weapon used in close combat. The name kotiate, which literally means to cut or divide the liver (koti = cut in two or divide; ate = liver), is probably taken from its shape, which resembles the lobed form of the human liver. Rangatira (chiefs) would wield this weapon while delivering whaikōrero (speeches). These kotiate were carved by Steven Fehoko from black maire sourced from central Waikato of Te Ika-a-Māui, Aotearoa. They measure approximately 360mm by 110mm, have a semi-polished finish, and is bound with an hand-braided cord.