Moko Pounamu Mere Wakahuia Box Set (Treasure box) NZ Genuine Totoweka Greenstone & Rimu - Tangarakau

An extraordinary Mere handcrafted from a gorgeous piece of Totoweka Pounamu with fabulous red streaks all through. Displayed and fitted into a custom made Rimu Wakahuia (treasure box) with black acrylic prongs that remove from inside the lid to set into the top for display.

The Wakahuia Box (Treasure Box) is lined with green felt, and was made on the Arahura Pa by Sam Ngaamo.

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.

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.

Wakahuia/Patu Box is a traditional Māori carved wooden container, used to store precious items like huia bird feathers, pendants, and personal ornaments. The boxes themselves were treated as taonga (treasures), often named and passed down through generations. Because the heads of high-ranking chiefs were tapu (sacred), items touching their hair were also sacred and dangerous to others, requiring safe storage.

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.

Carved by Des Hetherington & Sam Ngaamo

Mere Size - 524mm long x 98mm wide x 29mm thick

Mere Box - 555mm long x 64mm high x 133mm wide

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.