Silver Coin Matariki Maori Art 1 Oz 2022 Proof

Matariki - 1 Oz

An exclusive silver coin issued by the Bank of New Zealand for 2022 and minted in a premium quality proof weight of 1 Oz of 99.9% pure silver based on Maori mythology. It represents the legend of the origin of the Matariki constellation heralding the Maori New Year.

The reverse side of the coin depicts the creature Matariki, whose full name is "Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea" ("Eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea"). The weather god Tāwhirimātea, depicted in the traditional Maori art style, throws his eyes into the sky in anger, where they become stars. The constellation Matariki is selectively coloured. The background is a regular decor of browns. On the coin's rim, the browns symbols quote the coin's name 'MATARIKI' and the denominations 'ONE DOLLAR' and 'KOTAHI TĀRA' in English and Maori.
Matariki, the Maori New Year, falls between late June and early July according to the lunar calendar. The beginning of the New Year is heralded by the rising of the constellation of the same name, known as the Pleiades, after a brief absence. As souls depart for their next lives, Matariki welcomes the rising sun and brings the promise of a new year in all its glory. It signals a time to plan for the future and seize new opportunities.
Matariki celebrations are associated with traditional Maori ceremonies. People get predictions for the coming year from watching the individual stars of the constellations. They remember loved ones who have passed away in the past year to make the journey to gather those who have lived before them. They sacrifice food to the stars to regain their strength after returning from the underworld.
The creation of the Mataraki is featured in one of the major Maori legends. After Tāne, the god of the forest, separated Ranginui, the father of the Sky, and Papatūanuka, the mother of the Earth, from his embrace, he gained the freedom he and his brothers craved. The only one who disapproved of the separation of his parents was Tāwhirimātea. The enraged weather god tore out his own eyes and threw them skyward onto his father's chest. In the next section, the legend describes his revenge, which led to a divine war with his brothers.

The obverse of the coin bears a portrait of Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, the inscriptions "NEW ZEALAND", "ELIZABETH II", the year of issue "2022" and weight and fineness data.

The coin is stored for themed boxes with a certificate of authenticity. The mintage is limited to only 800 pieces for the whole world !