New Zealand Maori artefacts mere (club) - price guide and values

Traditional Pounamu Mere with Spatulate Blade and Waisted Grip

A Carved pounamu mere, traditional form with spatulate blade and waisted grip, the butt with two incised ridges and a waisted drilled suspension hole. Length 35 cm. Not registered.

Teardrop Pounamu Pendant with Carved Notching

An unusual pounamu pendant, Teardrop shape with carved notching to each side and with two countersunk suspension holes and lashing groove to the top. 8 cm length. Y 16131

Exceptional Maori greenstone needle with provenance

An old Maori Ngira pounamu (greenstone needle), of exceptional length, mid-green tone with semi-translucence, rounded probably three European drill hole to end, evidence of early lapidary, tapering to a point. 23 cm. Provenance: As recorded on Y…

A whale bone kotiate (hand club), traditional lobed blade with the handle pierced for suspension terminating in a carved wheku head, height 30 cm,

Maori Whalebone Hand Club with Traditional Design

A 19th century Maori patu Paraoa (whalebone hand club) with traditional wide tapered spatulate blade, reduced grip, circular drilled lashing hole and four concentric incised grooves to the butt with fine detailed ridges, good old colour and patina. Length…

19th Century Whalebone Hand Club

A 19th century patu paraoa (whalebone hand club), traditional broad spatulate blade, reducing to the grip section, with a circular suspension hole. Provenance: Dame Jenny Gibbs collection. 40 cm length.

Kawakawa Nephrite Hand Club

Mere pounamu by Richard Anderson (nephrite hand club), Kawakawa variety stone. The elongated blade tapering to the grip section. Pierced for wrist suspension with five graduating concentric grooves. Modern 20th century example. 35.5 cm length

Ngati Ruaka Pounamu Hei-Tiki Pendant, 20th Century

Pounamu hei-tiki by Alan brown (ngati Ruaka), finely carved 20th century example. Kawakawa variety stone with titled head and with broad shoulders and arms to thighs. Cut and serrated paua shell eyes, pierced to the back of the head for suspension, 12 x 9…

Nephrite Hand Club by Alan Brown

Mere pounamu nephrite hand club by Alan brown (ngati Ruaka), fine 20th century example. Kawakawa variety stone with gracefully tapering blade. The handle pierced in the traditional manner with a countersunk suspension hole, 40 cm length

Early Hei Tiki Pounamu Greenstone Pendant in Human Form

Early hei tiki pounamu greenstone pendant in human form, head tilting to right with arms on thighs and rounded chest, hourglass suspension hole, height 8.5 cm

Quadrangular Pre-Contact Toki Pounamu

Large toki pounamu pre-contact period, quadrangular form with sharp edges, length 24 cm. Provenance: John Griffin collection

Pre-European Quadrangular Toki Pounamu with Scarring

A Pre-European toki pounamu, broad quadrangular form, the surface of the face uneven with natural scaring, polished bevel with a straight sharp cutting edge, 17 cm length.

Elegant Pounamu Weapon with Carved Grooves

Mere pounamu, a well-proportioned and finely carved weapon with a good weight and elegant form; a quality piece of pounamu. The blade of deep-green nephrite leads to a butt end with five carved grooves and a pierced hole. Length 33.6 cm. Width 9.7 cm

Early Whale Bone Hand Club with Inscription

Patu paraoa, early whale bone hand club with a broad flared blade tapering to the handle section, faint inscription to the blade section. Provenance: This patu came into the possession of the current owner's family from Fiji in the 19th century.

Finely crafted green stone mere with sharp edges

Green stone mere, finely worked with sharp edges, ridged butt handle, 34.5 cm length,

Pounamu Adze Blade from Private Estate Collection

A pounamu adze blade, quadrangular tapering shape with lapidary scarfs to each side. Provenance: Ex Athol Webster Collection #1592. Sold at auction c.1997 Sloane's Wellington lot 99 Miet Collection, length 11.6 cm. Provenance: Private Estate Collection.

Polished River-Worn Pounamu Boulder with Green Tone

A large and impressive pounamu boulder, with cut base, river worn 'floater', polished showing good green tone.

Maori Pounamu Kuru Pendant from Flower Family Collection

An old Maori carved pounamu (bowenite) kuru pendant, flattened oval cylinder type form, both ends tapered, single hour-glass drill suspension hole, the dark to mid-green tone with traditional silvery green flecked highlights. Length 15.4 cm, width 2.6 cm.…

Speckled Pounamu Mere on Stand

A pounamu mere by Glenn Survenor, Hokitika, carved from a green, black, and white speckled pounamu. The blade tapers down to the grip and terminates with graduating ribbing. With a pierced hold at the grip. On a metal stand. Mere length 47 cm, width 10 cm…

Spatula-shaped Whalebone Club with Chiseled Hole

A patu paraoa (whalebone club), of spatula shape with flattened butt knob with small flanges, pierced by a square chiseled hole. Y registered L.36 cm. From the Collection of Hannah Martha Dillon, nee Carkeek (1881-1963).

Tapered Tokotoko with Mere and Paua Shell Eyes

Fine tokotoko, by Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA Wellington descent, the gentle tapering shaft carved with a figure to the upper section holding a mere and with crescent shaped paua shell eyes, the shaft decorated with haehae and pataki…

Maori Tiki Hand Club

A late 19th century Maori wooden hand club (wahaika), with carved tiki figure above handgrip and carved butt. Length 40 cm

Large Kawakawa Pounamu Toki

Large Pre-European pounamu toki, Kawakawa variety stone, tapering quadrangular shape, polished surface with small hammer pecked area and minor lapidary scarf mark to the poll. Later suspension hole probably steel tooled. Some fritting to the blade. 31 cm…

Mottled Brown Pre-European Pounamu Toki Adze - 16cm

A good Pre-European pounamu toki (nephrite adze), Flatted tapering quadrangular shape with mottled brown inclusions in the stone, lapidary scarf to one side, 16 cm length

18th Century Maori Pounamu Pendant (Kuru)

18th century or earlier Maori pounamu pendant (kuru) of slender faceted form. Hour glass form suspension hole. Length 14 cm

Important Hei Tiki Pounamu from Mrs. Maora Tamihana

Hei tiki pounamu large and important tiki, translucent stone with head tilting to the right, large dominant chest and arms resting to the top of the thighs, pierced hole for attachment, height 10.5 cm. Provenance: formerly owned by Mrs. Maora Tamihana of…

Crude Greenstone Mere with Fine Blade

Late 19th century/early 20th century greenstone mere, of relatively crude form. Five ridges to butt off centre suspension hole. Fine blade, length 34 cm.

River-worn Pounamu Boulder: Natural Circular Form, Pale Rind Exterior

A large pounamu river worn boulder, natural flattened circular form, pale rind exterior. Approx. 75kgs. 50 cm x 45 cm x 24 cm approx.

Marsden Flower Jade Mere by Richard Moore

A contemporary pounamu mere, by Richard Moore, fashioned from Marsden Flower jade, the butt knob of fluted fan shape, length 34 cm.

Inanga Pounamu Blade with Multiple Suspension Hole Attempts

A 19th century small mere pounamu, Inanga variety stone, dark and pale grain indicate firing. Blade tapering to grip with three graduating grooves. The suspension hole displays more than one attempt. Chip to the blade. 27 cm length.

Kawakawa Toki Pounamu Stone, Polished and Sharp

Pre-European large toki pounamu, Kawakawa variety stone. Quadrangular form, scarf markings to both laterals, pecked uneven poll, polished surface throughout with smooth bevel and cutting edge intact and sharp. 26 cm length.

Manaia Whalebone Hand Club with Paua Eyes

Wahaika paraoa (whalebone hand club), large early 20th century example with a manaia figure carved to the in-curve of the blade, the handle pieced for suspension and carved with a manaia head with paua shell eyes, 44 cm length

Kowhaiwhai-Adorned Pounamu Boulder Bowl

A large pounamu river worn boulder bowl, finely carved with an encircling band of kowhaiwhai decoration. 28+kgs. 41 x 34 x 17 cm.

Hourglass Mere with Three Ridges

20th century pounamu mere three ridges to butt, hour glass form suspension hole. Long grip and flat blade, length 37 cm

Te Ati AWA Kawhaiwhai Tokotoko

Chatham Islands Avian Morori Patu Okewa

Rare Chatham Islands Morori patu okewa (hand club), abstracted avian form, carved from rekohu schist. Probably used historically for ceremonies or the hunting of seals as the Morori embraced a pacifist culture that avoided all forms of warfare. A similar…

River-worn pounamu touchstone with polished window top

A large pounamu boulder/touch stone with polished top, wide oval flat form with 'Window' polished top otherwise river worn. Approx. 45kgs.

Elongated Mere Pounamu with Suspension Hole and Groove

Mere pounamu, with elongated blade and suspension hole at the handle, concentric groove at the butt of the handle, Y17507. Length 30 cm

Pre-European Kawakawa Toki Pounamu with Scarf Marks and Inclusions

Pre-European toki pounamu, Kawakawa variety stone with pale mottled inclusions. Quadrangular cross-section with scarf marks running down both lateral edges with slight asymmetry to the poll. Double sided bevel with a smooth polished surface throughout.…

Maori Stone Club with Five Ridges and Suspension Hole

A pre 19th century Maori patu onewa (stone club). Five ridges to butt, hour glass form suspension hole. Slight nicking to rounded blade. Length 35 cm

19th Century Pounamu Hei Tiki with Red Seal Eyes

A 19th century pounamu hei tiki. Red sealing wax to eyes, hour glass form suspension hole. Worn head to left, arms to thighs. Large protruding stomach. Height 11 cm. Provenance: Purchased Dunbar Sloane Ltd, lot 52, December 1972. 10.9 cm

Maori Whalebone Club with Five Rings

A fine contact period Maori whalebone club (patu paraoa), with five rings to the butt and good wear to the suspension hole. Length 41 cm. Width 9.5 cm

Early 19th Century Whalebone Hand Club with Engraved Head

A superb early 19th century whalebone hand club (kotiate), with engraved human head to butt. Red wax in one of the eyes. Excellent patina. Length 31.5 cm. Width 16 cm

Maori Mythology Pounamu Boulder Bowl

A large dark green pounamu carved boulder bowl, the base carved with Maori mythological scene incorporating lizard and figures, the top hollowed out as a bowl. 30+ kgs. 46 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm.

Pounamu Heitiki with Red Sealing Wax

A pounamu heitiki, Aotearoa, head tilted to the left shoulder, hands on thighs, four incisions on each hand for fingers. Knees bent and feet together, with two diamond-shaped incisions for genitals. With red sealing wax around the circular eyes. With a…

Maori Whale Bone Kotiate with Inscription

A whale bone Maori kotiate, New Zealand, this kotiate has inscribed on it: 'Mere, Maori chief Te Heu Heu of Kaiapoi, N.Z.'. Te Heuheu may refer to several people from the Te Heuheu family which has been the family of chiefs of the Maori ngati Tuwharetoa…

Large Inanga Toki Pounamu Stone Axe

A large Pre-European toki pounamu, Inanga variety stone, poll uneven, rounded lateral edges, slightly rounded cutting edge but intact. Polished throughout, 25 cm length.

Early 20th Century Maori Greenstone Mere

A good old (early 20th century) Maori greenstone mere (hand club), good dark green tone with paler inclusions, traditional wide spatulate blade, reduced grip with rounded butt end, no drill hole, good overall polish. With numerous old newspaper cuttings…

Toki - adze, large dark green pounamu toki, straight blade with sharp corners, steep short bevel with marked chin. Straight vertical sides taper to damaged pole. Entire surface polished. Length 29.2 cm. Provenance: Estate of John Lawford.

Patu Okewa, rare Chatham Island curved stone okewa [hand club], bird shape, oval cross section. Worn oval knob on the top of the handle. Surface pitted and some flake scars, surfaces worn. Length 27.5 cm [approx]. Provenance: Estate of John Lawford.

A good early 19th century wahaika (carved wood hand club), traditional hooked blade with carved wheku figure to the inner blade curve. The grip section terminating in a carved wheku head. Pierced for suspension. Small natural wood depression to one side…

Large Maori Greenstone Mere with Concentric Ridges

A large modern quality Maori greenstone mere (mere pounamu), the large spatulate blade of good proportion, narrowing to a waisted grip, tapering suspension hole, four concentric ridges to the butt, the good mid/dark tone with pale and dark included…

River-worn Pounamu Bowl

A large dark green pounamu carved boulder bowl, the top hollowed out as a bowl, the underside river worn with natural surface polish intact. 50 x 30 x 12 cm. Weight approx. 22kgs.

Whalebone Wahaika Hand Club with Carved Figure

Ian McMillan carved whalebone wahaika hand club, a figure carved to the middle lower back blade section, mask carved butt. Of good weight and proportion. Length 38 cm.

Maori Taiaha Club with Paua Shell Decoration

A Maori club (taiaha), New Zealand (nineteenth century), carved hardwood and paua shell, 147.2 cm long. Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom. Private Collection, Melbourne

Damaged Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki with Fire Discolouration

A large pre-European Maori carved pounamu damaged hei tiki, showing evidence of fire discolouration, pale to mid-grey tone with tan inclusions, head to left shoulder, hands to thighs, the legs snapped off and absent. Note: An early 20th century note…

Maori Whalebone Hand Club

A Pre-European patu paraoa (whalebone hand club), traditional broad spatulate blade, reducing to the grip section, with a countersunk suspension hole. Chips evident to the blade. Provenance: Dame Jenny Gibbs collection. 43 cm length.

Antique Pounamu Pekapeka Pendant with Provenance

19th century pounamu pekapeka, polished tangiwai (bowenite) variety stone. Recessed eyes. Provenance: belonged to Annie Shasky (nee Turnball) the current owners great grandmother. Most likely given to Annie when her husband George Shasky was gifted his…

Pre-European Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki Pendant

A pre-European Maori pounamu hei tiki, of small rounded rectangular form, the suspension hole with heavy countersinking to the reverse flanked by the eyes, flat topped head, hands to thighs, mid green tone, height 5.2 cm. Registered Y20956

Smooth-edged Kawakawa Nephrite Adze

Superb toki pounamu - adze finished adze with smooth edges evident on all sides. Pre-European kawakawa nephrite. Fracture evident to poll end. Length 30 cm

Polished Pounamu Serpentinite Boulder - 100kg

A large New Zealand pounamu river boulder, one face polished showing good dark green tone with mid-green inclusions, the serpentinite oval boulder of approx. 100 kilos. 65 cm x 48 cm x 25 cm

18th century mere pounamu, Kawakawa variety pounamu with countersunk suspension hole. Some fritting evident to the blade, 27 cm length

Rare Koropepe Pounamu Adornment with Mythical Design

Koropepe pounamu very rare and early adornment, spiral shape which leads to koru form design at the end of the tail, representing a mythical bird or eel/fish form, extremely good example with well defined facial features, inset eyes, raised notch to beak,…

Small Maori Stone Club with Fine Blade

A pre 19th century Maori patu onewa (stone club). Of relatively small proportion. Four ridges to butt, hour glass suspension hole. Fine blade. Length 32 cm

Inanga Pounamu Toki from Gibbs Collection

A good large Pre-European pounamu toki (adze blade), Inanga with speckled inclusions in the stone, reducing quadrangular shape with sharply delineated cutting edge, lapidary scarf running down the length of one side. Provenance: Dame Jenny Gibbs…

Kawakawa Pounamu Toki with Inanga Inclusions

A good large Pre-European pounamu toki (adze blade), Kawakawa variety stone with mottled inanga inclusions. Lapidary scarfs visible to each side. 31 cm length, 6.5 cm width.

Translucent Kahurangi Hei Tiki Pendant

Contact period pounamu hei tiki, finely carved in the type I form in translucent Kahurangi variety stone, finely carved facial features with a clearly defined heart-shaped mouth displaying tongue and teeth. Female. Suspension hole at the top of the head.…

Pounamu Parrot Ring

Kaka poria, parrot ring, carved pounamu late 18th - early 19th century 4.4 x 3.5 cm

Premium Greenstone Mere with Hourglass Hole and Grooves

A superb 20th century greenstone mere, with hourglass hole and three grooves. The greenstone quality is A1 (the best). Length 42 cm.

Pekapeka Pounamu Pendant

A pounamu pekapeka, pendant with countersunk suspension hole named pekapeka after the native New Zealand bat which they resemble. Height 8 cm, width 4.5 cm

Rare Maori Bowenite Pounamu Hei Tiki with Provenance

A 19th/20th century Maori rare bowenite pounamu hei tiki, red sealing wax to the eyes, hands clasped to thighs, height 86 cm. Provenance: 'Given to owner by Tom Sterland in 1958-9. Tom Sterland born Stewart Island 1896-7. As a lad he helped sealers and…

Blue Inanga Pounamu Mere

A 20th century pounamu mere, in uncommon mottled blue inanga variety stone, slender spatula shape with increased depth at the grip, pierced suspension hole and ridged butt knob. Length 34.5 cm.

Maori Tewhatewha Club, 19th Century, Private Collection Melbourne

A Maori club, 19th century, New Zealand, tewhatewha / tewatewa. Provenance: Private Collection Melbourne, length 149 cm

Inanga Nephrite Pounamu Boulder - 150kg

Large pounamu Bolder, cut on one side revealing the Inanga variety nephrite, 76 x 60 cm. Approximate weight 150kg

Kawakawa Hei Tiki Pendant, 19th Century

19th century pounamu hei tiki, type I carved in kawakawa variety stone. Head oriented rightwards with deeply recessed eyes and mouth displaying two teeth. Three-fingered hands to thighs. Countersunk suspension hole to the top of head. 10 cm length.

Patu Par?oa, early 19th century whalebone club, with rounded base small chip to one side. Short flat handle with slightly wider flat knob at the top, two shallow horizontal ridges on each side of the knob and a small square suspension hole [edges worn],…

Greenstone Club with Woven Tie and Carvings

Large greenstone club, carved natural stone club with polished finish, hand woven wrist tie and simple three line decoration to handles end. Length 36.5 cm width at widest point 11 cm

Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki Figure with Mere

A large Maori figure carved pounamu boulder, the stylised figure wearing a hei tiki, with hands to front, holding a mere, soft edged carving. Dark tone with pale inclusions and golden tan highlights. 64 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm. Approximately 160kgs.

Enormous Oval Pounamu Boulder with Pale Inclusions

A very large pounamu boulder, of oval form, dark tone with pale inclusions and outer rind. 77 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm. Approximately 300kgs.

Maori Greenstone Adze with Curved Blade

A good pre-European Maori pounamu toki (greenstone adze), tapered rounded form with pecked tang, the polished blade of curved form with fine cutting edge. Length 20 cm. Being assessed for registration.

Traditional Whalebone Club with Pierced Hole

Patu Paraora whalebone club, good example in traditional form with pierced hole to end for attachment.L.40.5 cm

Maori Folk Art Carvings with Paua Shell Eyes

A pair of fine early 20th century folk art carvings, of two stylised Maori figures, the larger female figure depicted with tiki, moko, piupiu and inset paua shell eyes (h.38 cm) the smaller male figure depicted holding a mere (h.30 cm). Provenance: John…

Translucent Kawakawa Pounamu Mere with Pierced Suspension Hole

A 20th century pounamu mere, in kawakawa variety stone, fine translucent spatula blade, pierced suspension hole and ridged butt knob. Length 36 cm.

Rauponga-carved Tewhatewha with Feathers and Wheku Head

Tewhatewha (long handed fighting club), the slender tapering shaft with four bands of fine rauponga carving. The back of the flanged blade carved with a wheku head. The blade pierced with attached feathers. 114 cm length

Carved whalebone club with ridged butt and thin blade

Late 18th century/early 19th century carved patu paraoa (whalebone club), nine fine ridges to butt, rectangular suspension hole, relatively thin blade, L 34.5 cm.

Whalebone Patu Paroa Club

A patu paraoa whalebone club, Aotearoa. This short, one-handed striking weapon is of orthodox form with square suspension hole and bold rings to the base of the handle. Boasting a rich, warm patina consummate with age it is presented on a custom Museum…

Irregular Cut Pounamu Slab from Hannah Dillon Collection

A hand cut slab of pounamu (nephrite), showing unusual irregular cutting striations and undulations possibly from hand held wire cutting rather than blade cutting. The same technique evident to both faces. 39.5 cm x 21 cm x 2 cm. Y registered. From the…

Kawakawa Nephrite Pounamu: Polished Face, Marbled Flecks

Large floorstanding nephrite pounamu, Kawakawa variety with impressive polished face and marbled flecks, rear unpolished, cut to the base, height 54 cm, width 67 cm, depth 17 cm

Maori Sperm Whale Bone War Club

Rare Maori short club, New Zealand sperm whale carved bone war club, (kotiate paraoa), known to be passed down in elite families as important ancestral heirlooms

Whalebone Hand Club with Carved Figure and Wheku Grip

A 19th century kotiate paraoa (whalebone hand club ), with lobed blade and with a small carved figure to the base of the blade. The grip section terminating in a wheku figure carved in high relief. Provenance: Dame Jenny Gibbs collection, 35 cm length.

Orthodox Hei Tiki Pounamu Pendant - Early Example

Early hei tiki pounamu stunning early example in orthodox stance, well defined facial features, ribs and limbs with head tilting to the right and two pierced well worn hourglass shaped suspension holes, height 7.5 cm

Broken Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki with Concealed Suspension Hole

A pre-European Maori pounamu hei tiki, the left arm and leg broken and absent, chin to left shoulder, concealed suspension hole to back top of head. Good dark tone with pale flecked inclusions. Length 9.3 cm. Provenance: 'Ploughed up in the 1920s by…

19th Century Pounamu Hei Tiki with Paua Inset Eyes

19th century pounamu hei tiki hour glass suspension hole, carved paua inset eyes, head tilted left with both arms on thighs, length 9.8 cm. Provenance: Arthur Beau Palmer collection

18th Century Inanga Mere Pounamu

A good 18th century mere pounamu, fired inanga variety stone. Classic tapering spatulate shape terminating in three concentric grooves at the butt. Pierced for suspension with a countersunk hole, 32 cm length.

Large Maori Carved Figure Post with Taiaha and Mere

An old large Maori carved figured post, the tall stylised figure with detailed moko, pronounced arched back with his right leg upon a further stylised head, he holds a taiaha to his right hand and a raised mere to his left, further stylised figures to the…

Asymmetrical Hei Tiki Pounamu Pendant with Suspension Hole

Hei tiki pounamu contact period, asymmetrical form with right hand to chest and left hand to thigh, suspension hole flared on reverse, height 10 cm. Provenance: Neil Darroch collection, formerly purchased Dunbar Sloane 1988