Mere, D38.542

Unusually large nephrite mere,highly likely to be Arahura source as a superb example of stone and workmanship. The blade appearing rather narrow in proportion to the length. A longitudinal flaw in the stone appears almost as a crack on one side, a large oval flaw in the stone appears on the other, some feather fractures and areas of chatoyancy. The hole slightly offset an angle, perforation drilled from both sides. the butt clearly defined, with a light oval mark but no cross markings on butt. Mass 1642gms, inanga with a kahurangi inclusion on one side mid point. A hint of the oxidised rind on side of butt. Light plaited cord in handle.

Catalogue card:
Unusually large nephrite mere, the blade appearing rather narrow in proportion to the length. A long flaw in the stone appears almost as a crack on one side, a large oval flaw in the stone appears on the other. The hole slightly offset an angle, the butt clearly defined, with a light oval mark. Mass 1642gms

Locality: Hawera

Register entry in writing of H.D. Skinner states "I was told at N.P. that this was ploughed up by a farmer. But its surface indicated it had not been underground. It had threaded through the hole a flax cord, not very old but obviously the work of a Maori. Sykes would give no details, but said the Rev. Haddon knew about, and S. thought it had belonged to Te Ua. I think S. bought it from some Maori who wanted to keep it quiet."

Said to have been ploughed up by a farmer

Rumoured to have belonged to Te Haumene