Historic Chiefs Greenstone Weapon with Provenance

A superb historically important chiefs mere pounamu (short bladed greenstone weapon), beautifully crafted from Kawakawa variety pounamu. Conforming in form to the previous lot but of smaller size. With short thin spatulate shaped blade with translucent edge and grey translucent striation though the nephrite matching the previous lot indicating that it was made from the same stone. The blade tapers to the reduced grip section with concentric pierced suspension hole terminating in nine deeply cut graduating grooves. Early 19th century. Chip to the blade edge. Provenance: chief Wi Te Ota. Passed on by descent through chief Wi Te Ota's family from the 19th century, 34 cm length