Today I learnt that the Wahaika is a Maori weapon he some facts about it literally means “mouth of the fish”  Traditionally made from whalebone and wood, the wooden ones have a far more intricately carved surface. The Wahaika have a concave back and a peculiar carved notch on the back edge. Many are carved on the reke, or butt and significant numbers also had small human figures above the handle. They were not only used in battle but often in ceremony and speech making where Rangitira accentuated delivery of particular points. Primarily used in close in fighting Wahaika were used in a thrusting motion rather than smashing down like a club. The favoured strike was made with the sharpened leading edge.