Story: Mau rākau – Māori use of weaponry

One-handed weapons: mere pounamu (2nd of 2)

One-handed weapons: mere pounamu

This beautiful mere pounamu (greenstone club) is known as Te Raukaraka, or the leaf of the karaka, because of its unusual colour. It belonged to the Tauranga chief Koraurau, who presented it to Gilbert Mair, a Bay of Islands trader, in 1828. Mair did not immediately claim the gift and in 1864, after the death of both men, it was unearthed by British troops. It was restored to Koraurau's son, who then fulfilled his father's offer by giving it to Mair's son, Captain Gilbert Mair.

Using this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Reference: 121-a

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Rangi Matamua, 'Mau rākau – Māori use of weaponry - Using traditional weapons', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/39768/one-handed-weapons-mere-pounamu (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Rangi Matamua, published 5 Sep 2013