The mere is a traditional Maori weapon – a broad, flat club shaped a little like a paddle. Although made in stone, whalebone and pounamu (greenstone), the term mere should only be used to describe the pounamu weapon. Weapons were treasured by their Maori owners – both in battle and as a statement of status – and were often highly decorated. The pounamu mere was particularly prized for its strength. I photographed this contemporary souvenir mere at Ngai Tahu’s Hui-a-Tau at Colac Bay in Southland in November.
Showing posts with label Mere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mere. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2009
On Weapons
The mere is a traditional Maori weapon – a broad, flat club shaped a little like a paddle. Although made in stone, whalebone and pounamu (greenstone), the term mere should only be used to describe the pounamu weapon. Weapons were treasured by their Maori owners – both in battle and as a statement of status – and were often highly decorated. The pounamu mere was particularly prized for its strength. I photographed this contemporary souvenir mere at Ngai Tahu’s Hui-a-Tau at Colac Bay in Southland in November.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Traditional Tattoo Techniques
Image Supplied by Tamaki MaoriVillage. The Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua is a great place to get a good understanding of traditional Maori arts, crafts and tattoo practices. Notice the two beautiful traditional mere (clubs) in the foreground - one in whalebone, one in pounamu or greenstone. www.maoriculture.co.nz
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