FSV,
There are some excellent Maori clubs that are worth consideration. These have a rather simple form, but the skill is in achieving the correct overall shape and in the carving/polishing. A
mere made from green jadeite is a highly prestigious piece and beautiful when executed well. See here:
http://maorisource.com/MaoriWeapons.html
Exceptional traditional
mere pounamu can take more than one generation to complete.