mere Pounamu (probably kawakawa variety) height 15 5/8in (39.7cm) Provenance Bearing an old French label which translates as: "Belonged to Chief Wahanui of the tribe of Njatimaniapu. Collected in 1872 and purchased in London in 1921 from the dealer called Oldman" Lance Entwistle, London Private American Collection According to Roger Neich, "Of all the short weapons made of stone, wood or bone, the mere pounamu or jade thrusting and cleaving club was held in the highest regard. This was the only Maori weapon made from jade. With a thong of flax or dogskin looped around the wrist to prevent it from slipping out of the warrior's grasp, the flattened sharp-edged mere was a jabbing weapon aimed at the head or ribs of an opponent. When held against the light, the thin edges of a mere have a translucent glow, making this a beautiful but fearsome weapon in the hand of an expert. Fine ancient mere were often fashioned from the prized inanga variety of jade and usually had their own personal name, linking them to famous ancestors of the past. For their present owner, even in times of peace they became powerful symbols of his rank and status, used to enhance the dramatic effect of his oratory and displayed at his funeral so that all would know and respect his position in society." (Pounamu: Maori Jade of New Zealand, 1997, pp 15-16)
mere Pounamu (probably kawakawa variety) height 15 5/8in (39.7cm) Provenance Bearing an old French label which translates as: "Belonged to Chief Wahanui of the tribe of Njatimaniapu. Collected in 1872 and purchased in London in 1921 from the dealer called Oldman" Lance Entwistle, London Private American Collection According to Roger Neich, "Of all the short weapons made of stone, wood or bone, the mere pounamu or jade thrusting and cleaving club was held in the highest regard. This was the only Maori weapon made from jade. With a thong of flax or dogskin looped around the wrist to prevent it from slipping out of the warrior's grasp, the flattened sharp-edged mere was a jabbing weapon aimed at the head or ribs of an opponent. When held against the light, the thin edges of a mere have a translucent glow, making this a beautiful but fearsome weapon in the hand of an expert. Fine ancient mere were often fashioned from the prized inanga variety of jade and usually had their own personal name, linking them to famous ancestors of the past. For their present owner, even in times of peace they became powerful symbols of his rank and status, used to enhance the dramatic effect of his oratory and displayed at his funeral so that all would know and respect his position in society." (Pounamu: Maori Jade of New Zealand, 1997, pp 15-16)
Testen Sie LotSearch und seine Premium-Features 7 Tage - ohne Kosten!
Lassen Sie sich automatisch über neue Objekte in kommenden Auktionen benachrichtigen.
Suchauftrag anlegen
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
