**First Time At Auction**

Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. early 20th century CE. A gorgeous and special example of a traditional paddle shaped club made from jadeite. Clubs carved from jade and other greenstones, are known as patu or mere pounamu, these weapons and status symbols were known as and elite warriors often wore them in a belt as an emblem of power and chieftainship. The butt end is drilled for a wrist / belt suspension cord and etched with grooves and circles that form an abstracted face. The patu also known a mere is a traditional weapon form of the Maori people who, prior to European arrival in New Zealand, fought between their tribes using hand-to-hand combat. The word pounamu is used to describe both jade and hard green colored stones which were highly valued and patu pounamu clubs we the most revered type, and used as ceremonial items of rank and passed down as heirlooms. Size: 12" L x 3.5" W (30.5 cm x 8.9 cm)

For a similar example., please see the Metro Museum of Art's website, accession number: 1979.206.1459.

Provenance: Private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired from Morning Star Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA in 2000

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#178287

Minor surface nicks and abrasions, otherwise intact and very good condition. Great coloration and natural veining and striations.