Mere pounamu

Flat, broad-blade greenstone patu (clubs) like this one were used by Māori warriors for close-quarter fighting. The patu was an ideal weapon for thrusting and jabbing at an opponent's temple or ribs. The greenstone patu — mere pounamu — was the most revered of all Māori weapons. They were symbols of chieftainship and regarded as valuable heirlooms.

This particular mere pounamu is from the National Army Museum Waiouru collection.