A very fine Maori kotiate or hand club. Most examples are made from whalebone, although this particular example is in wood; hardwood such as akeake or rautangi was often used for kotiate. This is a prestigious weapon and personal object, a weapon for close combat.

The kotiate has a flat oval shape with a deep notch on either side of the body. One edge appears to have been broken and repaired. A loop, usually of dog skin, through a hole in the handle secured the club to the owner's wrist or belt. This may also have had feathers attached to it, which acted both as a distraction tactic and to absorb blood. According to popular tradition, the notches on either side of the blade were used to entwine the intestines and other organs of a vanquished enemy.

The straight handle 'reke' ends in a carving of a head, which gives the kotiate elevated status. The pukana - protruding tongue and wide eyes - is a traditional challenge expression, showing prowess and defiance to the enemy. Most Maori men could carve, and made their own weapons suited to their own physical and spiritual needs, making the kotiate a living extension of the body.

This fine example was collected by Captain James Cook on his 2nd voyage to the Pacific.