What is the difference between a Patu and a mere?
Patu were made from hardwood, whale bone, or stone. The most prestigious material for the patu was pounamu (greenstone). Patu made from pounamu were generally called “mere”. Maori decorated the patu by carving into the wood, bone or stone.
What was the mere pounamu made of?
greenstone
The most prized examples, called mere pounamu, were made from greenstone (pounamu), a type of jade. Laboriously ground and polished, mere pounamu were created for the chiefly elite and passed down within families as heirlooms.
What is a mere used for?
The mere (Māori pronunciation: [ˈmɛrɛ]) is a type of short, broad-bladed weapon in the shape of an enlarged tear drop. It was used to strike/jab an opponent in the body or the head, usually made from nephrite jade (pounamu or greenstone).
What should you do if you find a pounamu?
Look for pounamu pebbles and stones on the beach only. Go after a good rain or not long after the rivers have flooded – that’s when deposits of pounamu dislodge and move with river currents to the coast. Keep an eye out for a stone that’s dark green in colour.
What is the deadliest weapon in the Māori Armoury?
Mere Pounamu Skilled Maori warriors would give horizontal thrusts to the temple, or target the ribs with an upward thrust. The mere pounamu was the most revered of all the Maori weapons, and some were even buried with the owner.
What is a Māori AXE called?
A tewhatewha is a long-handled Māori club weapon shaped like an axe. Designed to be held in two hands, the weapon comes to a mata (point) at one end and a rapa (broad, quarter-round head) at the other.
What is the significance of Patu?
The patu was an ideal weapon for thrusting and jabbing at an opponent’s temple or ribs. The greenstone patu — mere pounamu — was the most revered of all Māori weapons. They were symbols of chieftainship and regarded as valuable heirlooms.
What does a Patu represent?
Mere / Patu / War Club Represents the weapon the Maori used. It gives the wearer strength and courage to do, get through face and achieve anything in life. It signifies high status and authority.
Do I need to bless my pounamu?
Q: Do I need to get the carving blessed before wearing it? A: All authentic Ngai Tahu Pounamu is blessed in its raw form on the river beds where it is found. Our Ngai Tahu Pounamu registered carvers bless each taonga and handle it with great care during the carving process.
Is it bad to buy pounamu for yourself?
However whether you are buying a pounamu taonga for a loved one or yourself, you will be ok. It will not bring you bad luck. Your pounamu taonga will be imbued with your wairua, add to your mana and become the symbol of honour and permanence that it has always been.
Did the Maori have bows?
Māori did not use bows and arrows, so fighting was almost entirely hand-to-hand. Famous weapons were given names and handed down from generation to generation.
How did Maori make Patu?
Patu were made from wood, stone or whale bone. Both the tip and the blade could be used. It was used for striking, stabbing or parrying.
