A superb chiefly patu pounamu. Of typical form this exceptional weapon has the finial carved in the form of a realistic and erect phallus. This explicit sexual symbolism is, to my knowledge, unique to this example. The word patu means a short, spatulate blade weapon while pounamu means nephrite or “green-stone”. The patu were used as short “swords“ in closed combat and within a framework of codified moves by high ranking warriors. Nephrite weapons (and all “jade“ implements) were the symbols and the property of the nobility. Maori People, New Zealand, Polynesia. Green jade (nephrite) with some darker flecks and lighter veining with a superb “watered“ patina of wear and age. 28,2 x 6,9 x 1,7 cm. TE PUAWAITANGA period, 16th/18th century or earlier. Ref.: Meyer, Anthony JP.: OCEANIC ART/OZEANISCHES KUNST/ART OCEANIEN. Könemann, Köln. 1995, page 562, fig.: 650.