Mere (weapon)

The mere (Māori pronunciation: [ˈmɛrɛ]) is a type of short, broad-bladed weapon in the shape of an enlarged tear drop.

It has a broad, rounded apex that narrows to form a handle, terminating in a butt or heel (reke), marked by several grooves.

[3][4] The designed use of the mere for forward striking thrusts is an unusual characteristic of Māori patu, where in other parts of the world, clubs are generally wielded with an ax-like downward blow.

A fighter using a patu often used a type of pad (whakapuru), held or on the off-side arm, used to parry or lessen the impact of an opposing weapon.

[8] Considerable efforts were undertaken, often by an entire tribe, to recover or regain significant mere that were lost or stolen.

[4][8] Giving such a valuable item was common as a sign of good faith[9] and it retains this symbolic importance today.

[10][11] The mere is shown as one of the features of the Māori Kotahitanga flag, where it is crossed with a scroll representing the Treaty of Waitangi.