31st Mar, 2021 10:00
Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale - Live Online
905
A Maori mere pounamu hand club
A Maori mere pounamu hand club,
probably 18th/19th century, New Zealand, made from kawakawa pounamu, of typical spatulate form, the grooved butt with a single eyelet,
11.3cm at widest
38.2cm long
A similar example, named 'Amokura', can be found in the Museum of New Zealand collection, registration number ME011850.
Mere are a specific type of hand-to-hand weapon of the New Zealand Maori, typically made from a variety of nephrite jade called pounamu, or 'greenstone', found on the South Island, and particularly significant within Maori culture. They are symbolic of chieftainship and are said to possess special spiritual qualities. Their significance was such that each specific club had to be hewn from a flawless specimen of pounamu, and was rigorously carved and subsequently polished using combinations of stone, sand and water. Once completed, which, because of its toughness as well as the meticulous and arduous method of manufacture, sometimes took more than one generation, each piece was given a name and passed down through families as treasured heirlooms. As well as having immense familial significance, in a functional capacity, they were incredibly efficient and deadly in combat; it is claimed that, when used by a skilled warrior, a quick flick of the wrist could decapitate a man. It was a great honour to be killed by particularly significant mere pounamu, and some accounts mention captured warriors relinquishing their own mere to their captors so that they would not be executed with any ordinary weapon. The present example is made from kawaka pounamu, which is the most common variety of pounamu, identifiable by the numerous black flecks that run through the stone.
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
Sold for £1,900
Condition Report
Purchased by the vendor from a Kent private collection over twenty years ago.
Broken and repaired in several places to the tip, with one approximately 1.5 x 1.5cm piece appearing to be associated. A sizeable loss to the butt, which is a well worn break. Some tiny chips to edges. Surface wear and scratches. General wear throughout.
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Auction: Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale - Live Online, 31st Mar, 2021
We are very excited to share the online catalogue for our forthcoming Fine Interiors sale featuring almost 900 lots of furniture, works of art, paintings and silver. Our first sale of 2021 offers a selection of the very best in classical and contemporary furnishings from all over the globe, including a strong showing of country and vernacular pieces, as well as vibrant and bright Chinoiserie and florally themed lots, which are perfect for the beginning of Spring and the more hopeful months to come.
An exciting new development for the department is the introduction of the Fine Interiors Journal, a companion guide offering an overview of the sale complete with links directly to the relevant sections of the online catalogue.
Viewing
Due to Government guidance around social distancing, we are unable to offer general viewing of all items in our auction rooms. All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
Removal of Lots
All lots should be removed by 5pm on Friday 9 April 2021. Furniture lots remaining after this date will be removed to:
Perry Removals, Chapel End, Broxted, Essex CM6 2BW.
Removal will be at a cost of £20 +VAT per lot and storage will be charged at £2 +VAT per lot, per day.
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