Patu

The word patu in the Māori language means to strike, hit, beat, kill or subdue.

The blow administered with this weapon was a horizontal thrust straight from the shoulder at the enemy's temple.

[4][5] The patu normally has "a round or rectangular hole in the handle for the tau, or wrist cord".

[2] The wrist cord is generally a short or medium piece of rope that is tied together to form a complete loop.

A feathered tassel may also be added at the end of the cord as a form of distraction to the adversary as the patu is wielded against him.