Matariki Star Map Necklace

Handmade by Ōtautahi based Ngāi Tahu jeweller Sonia Therese.

This stunning Matariki Star Map Statement Necklace is lovingly hand-cut from 100% recycled brass.  Each necklace is cut in a large oval shape measuring approximately 10cm across and 5cm wide. It is finished with a hand-braided black adjustable cord.

Each Matariki Star Map Necklace features a delicate map of the stars.  Each star is drilled by hand with hand sawed star-trails.  The necklace is then coloured with fire, polished and gently domed.  It has a delicate and unique matt brushed finish.

"This necklace represents the star (and constellation) Matariki or Pleiades. In many indigenous cultures world-wide, the constellation Pleiades is important. Matariki signifies the beginning of the Māori New Year when it rises above the horizon at dawn in mid-winter. It is a time of reflection about the year past, preparation for the year ahead, and a chance to celebrate the value of friends, family and community".

Artist statement:

I wholeheartedly believe in the power and the beauty of making things by hand!
In a world where everything feels like it is spiralling out of control, speeding by at a breakneck pace, choosing handmade is a very potent statement of intent.
Handmade means we value a slower pace. We believe that things are done with authenticity, love and care. We honour the history and the story of the maker and the item being made. We value something much more fundamental to our wellbeing than money
Handmade is a lifestyle, a way to connect with a wisdom that is far greater than us!

What I have come to understand, and what is now joyfully reflected in my jewellery designs, is that there is no such thing as perfection. In fact, the truth is that we are all perfectly imperfect and that we are beautiful because of this.
And by celebrating the beauty of this imperfection I celebrate the beauty of the world. The more we see beauty, the more we believe that things ARE beautiful. So the more we believe in beauty, the more we see – beauty in the world, beauty in imperfection, beauty in each other AND beauty in ourselves. Wow, that’s a world I want to live in!!!

This product is Handmade in Christchurch