Oceania, New Zealand, Maori culture, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A fascinating example of a prestigious jadeite object from the distinctive Maori culture. This is a large, heavy, teardrop-shaped hand axe, its form resembling that of the "mere pounamu." This appears to be an early example, lacking the characteristic handle found on post-European contact ones. The word pounamu is the Maori name for greenstone, which in all its carved forms is a sacred treasure in Maori society. This example is made from a truly remarkable piece of green stone, fully opaque, with thin bands of lighter and darker green flowing at an angle across its surface, especially around the narrower portion; the bands become more chaotic in form, positioned around the shape at a variety of angles like lightning bolts on the wider portion. Size: 13.8" L x 3.55" W (35.1 cm x 9 cm)

Two small, round perforations have been drilled through the center of the piece, one near its narrower end, the other near its wider. Thin woven string made from sennit is wrapped between the two perforations, which would have allowed someone to wear the item on his or her belt or wrapped around the wrist.

The "mere pounamu" was the most effective of the Maori hand-held weapons, a thrusting/jabbing weapon that when wielded effectively could even decapitate an enemy. Working with greenstone was extremely challenging using Maori technology, and the time and effort required to make an item like this one speaks to its immense value. It was most likely made and then passed down as an heirloom rather than used in combat.

Several famous Maori holding a "mere pounamu" were painted by Gottfried Lindauer, a Bohemian/New Zealander artist (1839-1926). See for example these stunning paintings of Pare Watana: https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/explore-art-and-ideas/artwork/294/pare-watene and Wiremu Kingi: http://www.lindaueronline.co.nz/maori-portraits/wiremu-kingi

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#130929

A few very tiny chips from the edges, but otherwise in gorgeous condition. String shows some signs of wear but is intact.