Mere (weapon)
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The mere 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, usually made from nephrite jade. A mere is one of
Pare Watene in 1878 holding a mere (by Gottfried Lindauer)
'Kataore', mere pounamu (42cm x 12cm)
Māori chief holding a mere (1860–1879)
Pounamu
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Pounamu is a term for several types of hard and durable stone found in the South Island of New Zealand, the most predominant of which is nephrite jade. They are highly valued in New Zealand, and regar
Mere (weapon)
…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, usually made from nephrite jade (pounamu or greenstone). A mere is one of the traditional, hand to hand, one-handed weapons of the indigenous Māori of New Zealand, and a symbol of chieftainship…
Pounamu hei matau pendant, a heavily stylized fishhook
The Māori name for the South Island of New Zealand is Te Wai Pounamu ("The greenstone waters"), after its deposits of greenstone. The west coast area of the island resembles greenstone in this view from space.
A wide range of pounamu objects
Hei tiki; signs of wear indicate longevity of active possession due to the hard nature of the stone.