Maori taiha and patu

The taiaha is not meant for throwing but for hand to hand fighting and thrusting under the neck. Just behind the head of the taiaha would be a tuft of white feathers to help distract the enemy. The eyes are of paua shell. Notice the similarity of patterns even though from different iwi (tribes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVQNHFCGl1w

The whale bone patu is used similarly, not for bopping on the head. Patu also means to hit or strike.