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Seven Tāonga speak

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Join one of our Te Papa curators and explore the past through taonga that were used to gather, harvest, and preserve the kai (food) of our tūpuna (ancestors).

For our tūpuna, Matariki’s stars were considered to have prophetic qualities. Our tūpuna would watch out for the rising of Matariki. If the stars were clear and bright, the year ahead would be a warm one with a healthy harvest. If the stars appeared hazy and shimmering, it was believed that a cold winter was in store, and that food would be scarce.  For our tūpuna, the connection of Matariki to the seasons and to the natural world, which was their source of food, was real.

For the first time ever, seven taonga that were used in the gathering, harvesting, and preserving of kai will be on display at The Marae. These taonga illustrate the continuance and maintenance of mātauranga (Māori knowledge) relating to highly esteemed, ancestral Māori food. Different tribes have their delicacies for which they are famed. Local traditions relating to the harvesting, preservation, and presentation of food are treasured from region to region. The diversity and range of special food-related items demonstrate the skill, ingenuity, and knowledge of our ancestors.

Join us on a journey into our past as we celebrate the appearance of seven stars above with seven taonga here at Te Papa.