MERE

A lovely, small Mere design pendant, hand carved by Rueben Tipene.

MERE is carved from a pale green piece of flower jade - a sprinkle of orange at the top, descending into pale minty green tones with some darker inclusions.

Rueben has given MERE 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.

MERE is lovingly packaged in a woven kete pouch.

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 Whiorau (tan/khaki) cord with Khaki floret

Cord Length: Adjustable

Size: 76mm (2.9") long, 28mm (1.1") wide