Patu Pale Jade Glass Wahaika with a Pūkaiora (figure) on an Oak base

Patu Pale Jade-Coloured Glass with Pūkaiora & Koru Carving | Mike Cameron

This contemporary Patu by Mike Cameron is a striking reimagining of a traditional Māori patu, crafted from jade-toned lead crystal glass. Traditionally used in close combat, the patu is a symbol of precision, authority, and mana.

Etched into the glass are flowing, stylised koru forms, inspired by the spiral of the unfurling silver fern. These carved patterns represent new life, growth, and the continuous unfolding of whakapapa (lineage). Their movement across the surface gives the piece a sense of rhythm and life, rooted in the natural world of Aotearoa.

A carved Pūkaiora figure near the handle serves as a spiritual guardian, continuing the tradition of ancestral protection. The handle is tightly bound in natural waxed cord and finished with pūkeko feathers—details that honour ceremonial elements and connect the work to customary forms.

The piece rests on a base of reclaimed oak, treated with linseed oil to enhance its natural warmth and texture. The soft jade hue evokes Papatūānuku (earth mother), grounding the work in both material and meaning.

Mike Cameron, an established multimedia artist based in Whangārei, Aotearoa, brings a deep research-driven approach (rangahau) to his practice. Each piece blends traditional shape with contemporary process, creating artworks that honour the past while speaking to the present.

Dimensions

Wahahika Length - 430 x Height - 140mm x Width - 30mm

Oak Base Length - 480 x Height - 25mm x Width - 85mm