Patu

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A patu is a short Māori club used mainly as a striking weapon. The word patu means to strike or beat. It was often swung from the shoulder in a horizontal jab at an enemy’s temple. If an opponent was grabbed by the hair, the patu could be driven up under the ribs or jaw. Patu were made from hardwood, whale bone, or stone, with greenstone (pounamu) being the most prized. They were carved and decorated on wood, bone, or stone. Types include the rare iron patu pora and patu made from hatchet or harpoon heads called pātītī. The patu usually has a hole in the handle for a tau, the wrist cord. The cord forms a loop around the wrist to help keep the weapon on the hand. A feather tassel might be added at the end of the cord to distract an opponent. Some patu were not weapons at all.