Seven Sisters Serving set - Kristina Robertson
Buff Raku Trachyte Clay
Set of 7 works
Of the around 500 stars in the cluster known as Matariki only 6 or 7
are visible to the naked eye. Lucky for us Matariki is one of the closer
clusters to earth. Its position in the milky way makes it a visual remark
for New Zealand among other cultures around the world. There are
areas in New Zealand that use the rising of Puanga because they can’t
see the seven sisters, which is now discovered to be 9.
The significance of this cluster of stars is the start of the Māori New
Year. Matariki and all her brightness is said to predict if the next harvest
would be abundant. The cluster is spoke of as if they were a mother
and her daughters; they would guide the voyaging wakas across the
Pacific.
Maramataka is the traditional Māori lunar calendar. The guide for
planting, harvesting, fishing and hunting. Matariki is important not only
because it marks the Māori New Year. It represents the moment in time
that’s here to remind us to constantly and consistently keep ourselves
in check and in tune with our whanau, our surroundings, and our taiao
(environment).
Matariki is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present
and plan. I have created what I am calling the Seven Sisters Serving Set,
it is a beautiful way to display all the kai harvested while engaging in
the moment with your whanau. The cluster of stars comes along once a
year to remind us to celebrate and keep planting your own kai. This set
can be a reminder to eat together as often as you can.
Handmade with love by Fern Coast Pottery