Ra Gossage - Māhutonga Onesie / Kids

Artist Ra Gossage's original 'Matariki' design on a babys onesie

This kōwhaiwhai motif is her interpretation of Māhutonga or The Southern Cross star constellation.

The 4 smaller Koru around the edges are the 4 main whētu of this constellation

Acrux, Mimosa, Gacrux and Imai

Together forming the cross pattern

Mahutonga was used by Maori to find south and as a navigational aid.