Challenge Weapon

The Challenge Weapon is a type of ceremonial staff used solely to resolve internal clan conflicts.

The ends of this long wooden staff, adorned with intricate carvings and many decorative pendants, are made of thanator bone and the Na'vi believe that the strength and agility of this powerful predator is transferred to the warrior who wields the weapon. Since the staff is not a fighting staff, the ends are blunt, so even in an extremely hot duel, rivals can only leave scratches and superficial bruises on each other. A curved hook on the opposite side of the staff is used to grab, pull the enemy towards you, or deflect an enemy blow. Despite the fact that this staff is not made for combat, it is strong and heavy enough to pierce the opponent's head or break his neck with a not very successful thrust, although not a single evidence of such cases has been preserved.

Fights can take place both between members of the same clan and between Na'vi of different clans, depending on the nature of the conflict being resolved; very often a ritual duel between the leaders of the two tribes helped prevent further bloodshed. It is not known if there is a division between female and male duels, although given the respectful attitude of Na'vi men towards women, it is quite difficult to imagine that any of the warriors would challenge a woman to a duel.

Role in the Avatar Universe

In one of the first movie's deleted scenes, Tsu'tey, learning that Jake Sully and Neytiri had become a couple, first attacked him with a knife but Eytukan declared this to be wrong, after which Tsu'tey challenged him. Jake to a ritual duel and he, despite Grace's objections, agreed. In the duel, Jake was initially pressured, but later managed to gain the upper hand. However, after he refused to finish off Tsu'tey, his communication lock went off and he was saved by Neytiri just as Tsu'tey was going to kill him by cutting his throat.