This beautifully and extensively carved Maori walking ( and talking) stick is called a Tokotoko (pronounced To as in "tore" and ko as the "co" in "cork"). Some Maori walking sticks have a handle and some don't - this is one with a lovely, slightly curved handle.

In Maori tradition, the Tokotoko (a ceremonial carved walking stick) is a symbol of the authority and the status of a speaker on the Maori marae (meeting ground), and it tells of the history from which that authority comes. The carving may represent an ancestor or a legend. I have fond memories of seeing great Maori orators swinging their tokotoko about to make a point in their speech.

This carved Tokotoko is embellished with a full Maori Tiki or Tekoteko figure atop another Tiki head, as you would see in a Maori meeting house, its eyes inlaid with New Zealand paua (abalone) shell. Below the tiki faces the walking stick is further carved in a spiralling line two-thirds of the way down the stick. The walking stick is made out of a very strong but lightweight hardwood called Tulip Wood, and is stained a traditional brown colour. It is approximately 36 1/4" (92 cm) long, handcarved, with a rubber foot. The handle is 6 1/4" (16 cm) long.

Enjoy this fine piece of Maori carving, as a decorative item or gentle support. It is lighter than our other Maori walking stick with handle, so nice for a woman to use. It should not replace an orthopaedic walking stick.