This Kōkopu pounamu Mere features swirling grey-green tones, pale cloudy markings and scattered dark speckles. Stronger bands sweep diagonally across the rounded blade, creating a striking natural pattern with depth and movement. Its elongated form widens gently from the narrow handle, giving the piece an elegant, balanced silhouette.
Distinct carved ridges finish the rounded end of the handle, with a dark braided cord threaded through the hole beneath them. The smoothly finished surface allows the stone’s varied colouring to stand out, revealing intricate details on closer inspection. A distinctive piece for a pounamu collection, this Mere pairs clean, graceful shaping with the rich visual character of Kōkopu.
Mere
or Patu is a type of short, broad-bladed weapon in the shape of an enlarged tear drop. It was used to strike/jab an opponent in the body or the head. The Mere signifies high status and gives the owner courage and strength. It is the same design as a Patu, but the difference is a Patu is made of wood, stone, or whale bone whereas Meres are made of Greenstone Pounamu.
Kokopu- Greenstone from the West Coast Taramakau River area, West Coast. Comes in many colour variations from light to dark browns, creamy whites, light blues, olive greens to yellow and even golden. Also known as trout-stone named after the dark brown, olive green and yellowish markings found on the three species of native freshwater trout. The spotted textures and range of colour give this stone a diverse presence.
Hand Carved by Mel Anderson
Size 335mm long x 90mm wide x 10mm thick
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
