Maori Warfare

Maori Warfare

War is woven into Māori traditional stories, including the creation myth. After separating Ranginui (the sky father) and Papatūānuku (the earth mother), their sons fought. Tūmatauenga (also known as Tū) won, and punished his brothers.

 Māori weapons

Maori usally battled in hand to hand combat. 

They used.

Taiaha (fighting staffs)

Pouwhenua (pointed fighting staffs)

Tewhatewha (axe-like fighting staffs)

Tao (short spears) and huata (long spears)

Patu 

The battle

The first person killed in a battle was known as the mataika (first fish). The mataika’s heart would be cut out and offered to a god. The leader would often stand behind his warrirors