Pounamu Mere

Pounamu mere dating back to the New Zealand Wars.

The pounamu mere made of greenstone was the most revered of all Maori weapons and was also the most time consuming to make. Its size depended on the shape of the raw stone from which it came with the average length about 35 cm. These weapons were used for thrusting or jabbing.

All Maori men capable of bearing arms were expected to do so when the need arose and at an early age they were initiated into the essential arts of war.

This pounamu mere is currently on display in the Museum’s NZ Wars gallery.

Find out more about our other museum artefacts and recent acquisitions.