Mere Pounamu

Flat, broad-blade greenstone patu (clubs) like this one were used by Maori warriors for close-quarter fighting. 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 Maori weapons. They were symbols of chieftainship and regarded as valuable heirlooms.

This particular mere pounamu is from the National Army Museum Waiouru collection.

Image courtesy National Army Museum Te Mata Toa
Accession Number: 1998.2234
Permission of the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa must be obtained before any reuse of this image.