MAGNIFICENT MERE

MAGNIFICENT MERE is carved from unique piece of New Zealand pounamu. Rueben has used a very interesting piece of stone - it is a mixed green with a chatoyant appearance. This lends the stone lustre when light reflects off inclusions in the jade.

Rueben has finished the pendant with what we call a 'soft polish' which produces a wonderful a satin matte - lovely to wear and hold.

The Mere is a type of short, broad-bladed weapon in the shape of an enlarged square-tipped 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 Kalahari, Tan cord with Manuka Green Floret

Cord Length: Adjustable

Size: 101mm (4") long, 38mm (1.5") wide