Maori Mere

This LadyPaua design has been hand made out of Paua to represent one of the many Mere weapons. The mere (Māori pronunciation: mere) is a type of short, flat club, broad-bladed weapon usually made from wood, bone, or greenstone.  Also know as a Patu or Waihaka, the Mere was used in hand to hand combat. It was used to strike/jab an opponent in the body or the head.  A mere is one of the traditional, close combat, one-handed weapons of the Maori and a symbol of Chieftainship. Wars between Maori tribes were commonplace where fighting over territory was a way of life. Maori warriors were fierce in battle and the fate of their enemies, when captured, usually involved being eaten or having their heads shrunk as trophies.

Measures 33cm long x 11 cm wide