Minneapolis Institute of Art

Mere Pounamu

Māori artist

Medium

Nephrite

Culture

Māori

Department

Arts of Oceania

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Among the Māori, weapons were regarded as treasured heirlooms, and those made of nephrite— also called New Zealand jade—were considered the most precious. This prestigious club would have been a chief’s weapon, intended for hand-to-hand combat. The warrior would grasp it with either hand and attack the enemy with short slicing or thrusting motions. This type of club was also a status symbol, tucked into the belt before battle and securely stored when not in use. Oceania

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