Maori Culture Maori Culture » mere pounamu

So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations.

So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations.

Mere pounamu, usually just called a mere, are the most highly prized Maori weapon.  A form of patu, or club, the mere is prized for its weight, beauty and strength. Made from pounamu (greenstone), the weapon could take years to make, as the club had to hewn from boulders, which took a long time to break down and then carve with basic implements. ...

Mere pounamu, usually just called a mere, are the most highly prized Maori weapon.  A form of patu, or club, the mere is prized for its weight, beauty and strength. Made from pounamu (greenstone), the weapon could take years to make, as the club had to hewn from boulders, which took a long time to break down and then carve with basic implements. ...

The designs used in Maori artwork on sale here at ShopNZ.com ( necklaces, pendants, wood carvings, tattoo, etc) all carry a spiritual meaning.  Early Maori did not have a written history, so their arts and crafts took on the role of being a record of spiritual values and beliefs, as well as a historical family record. Bone and greenstone jade ( pounamu) pendants and...

The designs used in Maori artwork on sale here at ShopNZ.com ( necklaces, pendants, wood carvings, tattoo, etc) all carry a spiritual meaning.  Early Maori did not have a written history, so their arts and crafts took on the role of being a record of spiritual values and beliefs, as well as a historical family record. Bone and greenstone jade ( pounamu) pendants and...