Moko Pounamu Mere NZ Genuine Kahotea Totoweka Greenstone - Waipoua

An exquisite Mere beautifully handcrafted from a stunning piece of Kahotea Greenstone, which features pockets of Totoweka pounamu that come to life under light. The mere is displayed on an amazing custom recycled Rimu base. This incredibly special carving will make a wonderful Taonga for generations to come.

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 – 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 – 422mm long x 100mm wide x 25mm thick Approx

Rimu Base 440mm long x 120mm wide x 65mm high

Sculpture Total height 104mm 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.