This sale is for a Maori Jade Weapons Set
SOLD
Crafted by Richard Anderson
Left – The Wahaika translated means “The Mouth of the Fish”. The first opponent dispatched in battle was often termed “the first fish”. The Wahaika was reserved for Warriors of high status.The figure on the blade is a revered ancestor figure or “Tu Matuenga” (The God of War). The club was held with the figure looking over the shoulder and protecting your back. The notch was used to trap the opponents weapon and with a practiced flick wrenching it from their grasp. The hook was turned around with the figure facing away from you and used with a sharp blow to split the breast bone, also in the normal position it was used to trap the opponents weapon.
Center – The Mere was a revered and treasured weapon handed down through the generations.The ancestor of all fighting clubs, beautiful but deadly in its simplicity. A favored move was the forearm thrust to the temples with a sharp twist on contact, which was said to have taken the skull cap off. It was said a practiced proponent in the art of hand combat could decapitate an enemy with one blow. Mere Pounamu was considered to be the most valuable of all the greenstone items. They were the main symbol of chieftainship and were extremely valuable to Maori. (www.teara.govt.nz)
Right – The kotiate translated means “Cut Liver”. The “Reke” or ancestor figure on the butt symbolizes a guiding force or protective spirit. The notches had a double use in trapping the opponents weapon as with the Wahaika and in the hands of an expert the favored move was a practiced twist and flick to trap and cut or tear off the testicles.
(Click to enlarge)
Very rarely are such piece’s of striking and exceptional art available and this is one of those fabulous yet rare opportunities to own an authentic Maori Pounamu weapons portrayed in Maori mythology.
Flat at the blade and rounded (sectionally) at the handle adding life and character to the weapon which show that the weapons was started from a substantially thick slab and considerable grinding is involved to bring out the three dimensional effect.
These are a piece’s of great sculptural art enhanced by natural light green to dark green. These blend well to give the ornament’s an appealing finesse that stands out from the mass produced artificial looking objects.
Approximately (Max. dimensions)
14 3/4” x 3 7/8 ” x 1 (in inches)
380 x 95 x 24 (in mms)
Over 800 gms or 1 3/4 lbs each
Semi Gloss
Made by master carver RICHARD ANDERSON who Is A REAL gifted carver and is known for his traditional work (in many collections world wide)
Weapons balanced in accordance with traditional Maori martial arts philosophies.
Fabulous Gift / Taonga / Collection/Display item.
Please ask for a quote for insurance (insurance is required)
NZ $16,000.00
US $11,000.00
