This fabulous Mere hand carved from a stunning piece of Kokopu Pounamu, showing an incredible blue Inanga band running through the middle. The characteristic textures and markings of the Greenstone are captivating, this stunning work will be a valued taonga to add to any collection.
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 Mere 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 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.
Inanga- Pounamu takes its name from a freshwater fish native to New Zealand. It is pale and often transparent, like the young of the Inanga fish. It is pearly white to grey green in colour, and ranges from translucent to quite opaque. It can change colour over time, developing a light olive tint as it ages and oxidises - Highly prized by the Māori and the desired material for making Mere and Patu.
Hand crafted by Des Hetherington
Mere size – 440mm long x 99mm wide x approx 21mm 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.
