Pounamu Mere in Rimu Wooden Box

Taonga (“Treasure”) and a Symbol of Courage and Determination
The mere is a type of short, broad-bladed weapon in the shape of an enlarged tear drop. It was 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 was highly prized by Maori and the mere pounamu as the weapon of a chief or rangatira, was the most revered of all Maori weapons. These mere were passed through generations; they were given names, and were said to possess a spiritual quality or mana of their own. Particularly special mere was imbued with magical powers, or supernatural qualities. Due to the high value placed on revered mere pounamu they would often be hidden when not in use and kept in specially constructed cases. Considerable efforts were undertaken, often by an entire tribe, to recover or regain significant mere that were lost or stolen. Mere were buried with their chiefly owners but were considered so valuable that they were later recovered from the grave during the second burial.

Pounamu mere became symbols of power and influence that they were exchanged between the tribes. A mere might be presented to another tribe in return for land or Waka, as a peace offering or a seal of marriage. Mere have names and from each exchange they gain their history and mana.

Gifting such a valuable item was common as a sign of good faith and it retains this symbolic importance today.
 
With all the Māori Artefacts we include an information card explaining the historical significance of the gift.
 
MADINZ is the only company in New Zealand that has exquisite high-quality presentation boxes. The box lifts the gift into a different realm as well protects it in transit overseas. Each box is specially designed to complement the gift inside and the box is also a gift in itself.
 
We pack all pieces with utmost care, so they can be sent by courier or hand carried anywhere in the world.
 
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