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History

Kotiate is a striking weapon or club in the shape of a fiddle or the number 8.

This weapon has a much broader blade than the wahaika or mere poumanu. Near the head of the handle is a hole for a cord or wrist strap as these weapons were used in close quarter combat. These were also wielded with great skill and with lethal effect.

The Kotiate or liver cutter, is found in both wood and bone, but never in stone.

Most of these clubs were owned only by the chiefs of high rank.

Size

Length: 390mm

Width: 200mm

Depth: 50mm

Pricing

$1,600 NZ - in presentation box

$1,500 NZ - without box

View of the back & front of a typical Kotiate.

Click image to enlarge