STRENGTH OF A WARRIOR

STRENGTH OF A WARRIOR is carved from a chatoyant piece of New Zealand pounamu. The colours are a 'reserved' dark green with paler inclusions - beautiful variation in colour and in the structure of the jade. A piece that will bring a great deal of pleasure to wear.

Rueben has given it what we call a 'soft polish' which leaves the finish a satin matte - lovely to wear and hold.

The brief video we have made of the mere slowly revolving shows the design of this piece.

The Mere is a type of short, broad-bladed weapon in the shape of an enlarged tear drop. These were traditional weapons used for hand to hand fighting - usually made from Whalebone and wood - the jade mere were often carried by Māori Chiefs as a symbol of their position. Today you will often see mere carried by leaders in formal ceremonial occasions.

The Mere design as described by the Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa: https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/topic/1994

Mere pounamu (nephrite weapons) were originally used in hand-to-hand combat. They were also symbols of mana (authority), status, cultural identity, and important relationships.

Mere pounamu are no longer used for fighting, but their symbolic role continues. As in the past, they are used at cultural performances, and at funerals to honour the deceased. Orators gesture with mere pounamu to emphasise important points. As gifts, these taonga (treasures) can define or change relationships.

Artist: Rueben Tipene

Material: New Zealand Jade, Pounamu

Cord Colour: 4-Plait Black cord with Pohutukawa Red Popper

Cord Length: Adjustable

Size: 100mm (3.9") long, 38mm (1.4") wide