This beautiful Mere Pounamu has been carved from New Zealand pounamu (greenstone/ jade) by Kerry Thompson - Ngāti Paoa
The koru designs on this Mere Pounamu are symbolic of  two iwi or two cultures, one on the right and one on the left, coming together to be unified and strengthen the bonds of peace. 

Mere are carved from pounamu (nephrite Jade), stone, bone and wood, and Mere Pounamu are particularly prized. Historically mere were used in warfare and traditionally gifted on special occasions. 
Today we see mere used in cultural performances and given as gifts symbolic of respect and chieftainship.

Kerry has been carving for over twenty-five years and has established his position as one of New Zealand’s leading Māori artists. In 1992 he was a jade tutor for the Whangaroa Trust in Kaeo, North of Auckland. 
Kerry works with many materials, including cattle bone, whale bone, mother of pearl, pounamu, wood, silver, semi-precious stones, wood glass and print making.