Pounamu Mere - Kawakawa

Carved by Te Kaha, the stone is Kawakawa from the Arahura river.

Mere pounamu were the main symbol of chieftainship and were as valuable to Māori as precious stones were to Europeans. Traditionally, mere was used for stabbing and cutting, rather than delivering axe-like blows. The latter was too risky as the weapon could hit another and break, wasting the years of work put into its making.

Te Kaha is a master pounamu practitioner, educator and spokesperson who has honed his skillset and craft over three decades. His repertoire includes hei tiki pounamu, hei taonga, mere pounamu, patu pounamu, patu onewa, and large scale toki and hei matau. Te Kaha’s pounamu pieces have gained a reputation nationally and internationally for their beautiful finish, balance and mauri. His pounamu is held in private collections in Aotearoa and overseas.

• Approximately 29cm long
• Weight: 674 grams
• Kawakawa stone

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