Moko Pounamu Mere NZ Genuine Kahotea Pounamu - Whirinaki

A gorgeous Mere handcrafted from an outstanding piece of Kahotea Pounamu. The incredible range of colour in this epic carving are fantastic and the skill of a master carver really shines through, this will be a treasured taonga for many generations.

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.

Kahotea- is a shortened form of Kakahotea, meaning “the white flowering seed head of the Toetoe.” Tradition tells of a daughter of Kupe who discovered a white-skinned Pounamu boulder high on the bank of the Arahura River beside a flowering Toetoe. The name commemorates that first discovery. Many boulders are white on the outside and known as Kahotea, when cut open, their inner variety is revealed, which has led to some confusion around the use of the name. (Mana Pounamu Book)

A quality piece to be treasured and preserved for your children and children's children.

Hand Carved Mel Anderson

Size 331mm long x 91mm wide x 26mm 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.