Patu Paraoa c. early 19th century

This Patu Paraoa, made by a Maori artist, is a short, flat club carved from whalebone. The word “paraoa” means whale, and it indicates the preciousness of the material. Whalebone, or ivory, lends itself to this kind of work because of its density and smooth grain. The maker of this patu used techniques of abrasion to grind and carve the material into the desired shape. The surface shows fine striations that reveal the amount of work involved, while the butt end is textured like the surface of a golf ball. A hole has been drilled at the top, allowing a wrist cord to be threaded through. The patu was a hand weapon, but also a symbol of chiefly authority. It would have been deployed with considerable skill, and with ritual significance. Considering the labor involved in its making and the cultural importance attached to it, this is much more than just a club. It’s a sculpture, a tool, and a sign of high status all in one.