An incredible handcrafted Patu from Genuine Whale Bone and mounted onto a piece of absolutely gorgeous Inanga Flower Jade. This is a extremely rare and beautiful carving, exquisite in detail and a true gift from a very talented artist.
Mere
or Patu
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. The Mere signifies high status and gives the owner courage and strength. It is the same design as a Patu, but the difference is Patu's are made of wood, stone, or whale bone whereas Meres are made of Greenstone Pounamu.
Whale Bone
has always been a special medium for Māori artists, Whales are considered a taonga species, and represent abundance, richness and were regarded as chiefly animals. Some tribes see whales as the descendants of Tangaroa, the god of the ocean and stranding’s are seen as gifts from Tangaroa and carving them is a way of honouring that gift. Whales possess a tapu (sacred) significance to Māori as both supernatural beings and as harbingers of personal change and spiritual growth.
Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.
