Patu


A patu is a club or pounder used by the Māori. The word patu in the Māori language means to strike, hit, beat, kill or subdue.

Weapons

These types of short-handled clubs were mainly used as a striking weapon. The blow administered with this weapon was a horizontal thrust straight from the shoulder at the enemy's temple. If the foe could be grasped by the hair then the patu would be driven up under the ribs or jaw. Patu were made from hardwood, whale bone, or stone. The most prestigious material for the patu was pounamu. Patu made from pounamu were generally called "mere". Maori decorated the patu by carving into the wood, bone or stone.
Types of patu include:
Less traditional is the rare patu pora, made from iron and the hatchet.

Pounders

Types of nonweapon patu include: