Stunning Full Sized New Zealand Jade Greenstone Maori War Club Mere / Patu
This beautiful full size greenstone mere measures approximately 35 cm (13.6) long and has a plaited cord. The greenstone is New Zealand pounamu jade, sourced from a West coast river of the South Island. Upon arriving in New Zealand, the Maori discovered that their new home had an abundance of beautiful green stones they called Pounamu (Jade) which translated means Greenstone. They discovered that this stone had not only beauty but practical uses as well.
It is a hard and tough stone making it very useful. The mere patu was a pre-European Maori invention, but more importantly it was a chieftainly artefact, a symbol of power and wisdom. Greenstone mere were important heirlooms too, and are to this day. History: a Mere is a short flat club shaped like a large tear drop.
It is the same design as a Patu; but the difference is Patus are made of wood, stone, whereas Meres are made of Greenstone (jade). This mere was held in one hand and was used hand to hand. The mere was a highly prized item as it requires an incredible amount of work to make. They were often passed on from one generation to the next.
Warriors who carried a greenstone mere were considered to possess great strength and honor. This is a stunning recent New Zealand hand made example of high.
Is express tracked with signature. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Pacific Islands".
The seller is "hamptonside" and is located in this country: AU. This item can be shipped worldwide.- Handmade: Yes
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: New Zealand
- Culture: Pacific Islands
- Provenance: Ownership History Not Available