A superb historically important chiefs mere pounamu (short bladed greenstone weapon), beautifully crafted from Kawakawa variety pounamu with large thin spatulate shaped blade with translucent edge. The blade tapers to the reduced grip section with concentric pierced suspension hole terminating in five deeply cut graduating grooves. Early 19th century. Provenance: chief Wi Te Ota. Passed on by descent through chief Wi Te Ota's family from the 19th century, 46 cm length