Moko Pounamu Mere NZ Genuine Kahotea Totoweka Greenstone -Okiritoto

An exquisite Mere with a Wheku (carved face) expertly handcrafted from a stunning piece of Kahotea Greenstone. This stone features pockets of Totoweka pounamu which come to life under light and is displayed on a eye catching custom recycled Rimu base. This is an incredibly special carving and will make a wonderful Taonga for now and treasured by future 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.

Wheku- meaning 'carved face', depicts the face of an ancestor, with slanting eyes and commonly seen as a koruru, the head of an ancestor, depicted at the gable of a wharenui.

Kahotea – Genuine West Coast Pounamu that is streaked or flecked with white. The name Kahotea derives from Kaho, meaning light coloured tea (white or clear)

Totoweka- This stone is usually like the mid green Kawakawa variety but differs in that the spotting or streaks are red like blood. It is rare to find Totoweka in the Westland jade fields, but when a piece is discovered, it is highly cherished and sometimes becomes the show piece of the fossicker’s collection. Large deposits of Totoweka occur in the South Westland area. The name comes from toto (blood), weka (Native bush hen) or weka blood. The red iron oxide inclusions were likened to the colour of blood of the Weka.

Rimu is a dense native timber of NZ. It is deep reddish brown in colour and is strong and durable. A stunning timber - one of the most beautiful in the world with a fine textured grain.

Hand crafted by Des Hetherington

Pounamu Size – 374mm long x 97mm wide x 23mm thick Approx

Rimu Base 390mm long x 118mm wide x 70mm high

Sculpture Total height 105mm Approx

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.