This Kōkopu pounamu Mere displays a beautiful blend of muted green and silvery grey tones, crossed by sweeping darker bands and fine black speckles. Pale, cloud-like patches create contrast across the blade, giving the stone a layered appearance. The long, gently widening form finishes in a softly rounded tip, providing a broad surface on which to appreciate its natural markings.
A slender handle flows into a rounded pommel defined by pronounced carved ridges, with a dark braided cord threaded beneath them. The smooth contours complement the richly patterned stone, balancing a clean silhouette with intricate natural detail. An eye-catching addition to a pounamu collection, this Mere offers enduring appeal through its graceful shape and distinctive Kōkopu colouring.
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 330mm long x 90mm wide x 18mm 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.
