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Mere pounamu (greenstone short bladed weapon)

Unknown (carver)1700-1850

Te Papa

Te Papa
Wellington, New Zealand

This mere pounamu (greenstone short-bladed weapon) has become  disassociated from its history, so unfortunately little is known about it. It is, however,a fine example, with five grooves on the handle and a suspension hole where a fibre or animal hide thong once secured it to the wrist of the wearer.

Mere pounamu
Mere pounamu were highly treasured weapons. They were possessions of chiefs and nobility and acted as symbols of rank. Some were so highly valued that they were that were given their own names, and the stories of their possessors handed down from generation to generation.

Details

  • Title: Mere pounamu (greenstone short bladed weapon)
  • Creator: Unknown (carver)
  • Date Created: 1700-1850
  • Location: New Zealand
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 100mm (width), 362mm (length), 14mm (depth)
  • Provenance: Purchased 1933
  • Rights: All Rights Reserved
  • External Link: Te Papa Collections Online
  • Medium: Pounamu
  • Registration ID: ME005039

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