**Available via pre-order only.  Stone veining may vary from the image shown.  Allow 5-10 business days for completion. Please notify us at checkout if expedited delivery is required.**
TE KAITIAKI (The Guide) - The balanced koru on one side and the uneven koru on the other side represents the nature of life and its ups and downs. This Kotiate is the guide of life and is what it provides. Make no mistake. What you see in photos is beautiful, but when held in person, this Taonga will just blow your mind. To top it off, we added a cord tail on the end.
 (To add a personalized Wood Base with a three-word engraving, please add this to your cart by going to the Wood Base section. They are sold separately)

Dimensions: 380mm x 160mm
The Kotiate was a prized weapon favored by Rangatira (Maori chiefs) when speech-making. It is also a pre-European weapon used for close combat. The carved notches were apparently so they got entwined with the combatant's intestines, as per the translation of the word kotiate, which means "to cut liver."
In most cases, our Kotiate are purchased to be gifted as birthday gifts, leaving/welcoming gifts, celebrations, and corporate events.
A signed and dated Certificate of Authenticity will come with this Taonga.