Rare Hoeroa: Exceptional Whalebone Weapon of Prestigious Warriors

Superb and Important Hoeroa. This rare traditional whalebone long club was used as a striking weapon, stabbing spear, and missile weapon and was made from the lower jaw of the sperm whale. The is shaped to a transverse, convex edge and the top is finely carved with double spirals The weapon was used mainly in pursuit and thrown with underhand movement to connect the edge with the spine or loins of a fleeing enemy without slackening speed, the pursuer hauled on the cord which was attached to his left wrist and the weapon came to hand without delaying the hunt for another victim. There is no weapon elsewhere like the Hoeroa in material, shape, or method of use. This rare club was highly specialized and was the domain of prestigious warriors or chiefs. Height 66.93 in.