Taiaha
The latest in our Art Collection, each piece is individually hand-engraved by Christchurch, New Zealand master Andrew Biggs. This series represents the last of the original 42mm Leoncino, an ideal canvas for Andrew's highly detailed work.
Only ten (10) pieces will be produced.
Taiaha is a traditional close quarters fighting weapon made of wood or whalebone. It consists of the tinana (body), an upoko (head) and an arero (tongue) which comes out of the head. They can also be adorned with a collar of kākā feathers and hair from a kurī (Polynesian dog). The purpose of the collar was both to add to the beauty of the weapon and to distract the wielder’s opponent during battle.
A tiki warrior is illustrated holding a taiaha prepared for battle or challenging and greeting the world around him. At his feet is a mania standing guard and protecting the owner. The warriors head with eyes rolling and tongue protruding is on the four lugs.
Most Art Collection Leoncino’s have been adorned on either the case front or back…marking the end of this series with the 42mm case both sides are engraved. The watch back shows the head of the taiaha with a collar of dog hair and flashing eyes flanked by two manaia standing guard and protecting the owner of the watch. The edition number is similarly hand-engraved.
The taiaha is widely known due to its use in the wero, the traditional Māori challenge during the pōwhiri, a formal welcoming ceremony. It represents being prepared to protect ourselves against the darkness that surrounds us but can equally be used to greet people coming into into our lives. It is a weapon of war and peace.
Movement: Miyota Caliber 9015 automatic
Case diameter: 42mm excluding the crown
Case finish: 316L stainless steel, hand-engraved top and lugs
Crown: Screw down
Crystal: Sapphire (double domed), AR coating
Dial and hands: Swiss Super-LumiNova C3
Case back: Solid, hand-engraved
Water resistance: 200M/20ATM
Includes custom travel case and certificate of ownership; fitted with Cognac leather strap (quick-release, Lorica lining, custom Magrette buckle).