Forest Green Full Size 34.5cm Ngai Tahu Greenstone Mere

This forest green full size Maori Greenstone Mere measures a whopping 34.5cm (13 1/2") long and is carved from genuine Ngai Tahu Pounamu.  It is a one-off piece - the mere you see in the photo is the one you will receive.

The mere comes to you with a certificate of authenticity.  The certificate details the piece of raw stone your carving came from, information on the carvers, what type of greenstone it is made from, and where the greenstone came from.

The South Island of New Zealand (Maori name Te Waipounamu - the Greenstone Isle), is the only place where NZ greenstone (pounamu) is found.  The stone is a taonga (treasure) to Ngai Tahu, and in particular the people of Te Tai o Poutini, the West Coast of the South Island, where most greenstone is found and carved.

The stone began its journey millions of years ago, as the mountains of Te Waipounamu formed over time, pushing narrow bands of pounamu filled earth to the surface.  From here, the movement of rivers and glaciers broke pieces of pounamu away from its host rock.

The stone used for this mere is called Hapopo.  The name originates from Ka Umu o Hapopo (Big Bay), located in South Westland.

The mere has a matt finish, so you can experience the stone as naturally as possible.  It is hangs from a beautifully plaited cord.  The certificate of authenticity has a unique code.  When you receive your mere you will be able to enter that unique code at a website, where you will see a photo of the stone it came from and will be able to read about the stone's origins and carvers.

Treasure it, and hand it down through the generations.

Purchase the mere only, or the mere on a sustainably harvested tulip wood stand, also made in New Zealand. 

The stand can also have an engraved plaque added, perfect for when you are giving for a special occasion.  Choose up to 8 words, select the Engraved option, then enter the words in the box that pops up when you select an engraved option.  Please note that engraved items cannot be returned, apart from in the unlikely event that we get the wording wrong on the plaque.
The other engraving options are to have up to 6 words laser engraved, or to have up to 18 characters paua engraved into the wooden stand.  

Proudly made in New Zealand and shipped worldwide.