Māori tokotoko ceremonial cane
Māori tokotoko ceremonial cane
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Late 19th century Māori tokotoko ceremonial cane with carved masks inset with shell.
A *tokotoko* is a traditional Māori carved walking stick or ceremonial cane, symbolising authority, wisdom, and the storytelling heritage of Māori elders, especially orators and leaders. Each tokotoko is intricately carved with designs that reflect tribal lineage, personal achievements, and cultural values. During speeches, it serves as a physical symbol of the speaker's knowledge and mana (prestige), and its patterns often illustrate significant ancestral stories, passed down through generations as a living testament to Māori culture.
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