People of Muhu Island believe that the octagon star was invented by their ancestors and named MUHU MÄND (BEETLE OF MUHU). But they haven’t reached a common decision as to what the beautiful symbol actually depicts – several wells with a swipe together, or a beetle for mashing potatoes made of pine wood.
This is an awesome field to explore for young scientists. It would be very interesting to know how has octagon star reached almost all the nations of the world and wether it has really brought them some luck. Latvians call it the Dawn Star (Rita Zvaigzne), Ukrainians call it the Christmas Star (zirka), Moroccans the Ritual Star, etc.
The octagon Star is the main character in the wedding blankets of West-Estonia. The legendary weavers of that region were the two sisters Kera Mari and Kera Kata, born in the second half of the 19th century. Their blankets are now over a 100 years old. Our contemporary masters of textile art Anu Raud, Malle Antson, Ene Pars and Christi Kütt illumine the way like shining Christmas Stars for the young handicrafters who want to follow skills and fantasy of our ancestors.
This exhibition is similar to a theatre play, growing during its existance in the repertoire. Next to exhibits from Finland, Sweden, Morocco, Guatemala, Armenia, Udmurtia there will be more Lucky Stars from Latvia, Åland, Ukraine. And if this show should move on from Pärnu, it will hopefully be enriched by new lucky stars on the endles way to future.
Happy flight with lucky stars to the New Year 2023!
We thank our partners: Estonian National Museum, Estonian Museum of Applied Arts and Design, Museums in Muhu, Kihnu, Heimtali, Önningeby and many private collections.
Thanks to our supporters: Estonian Cultural Endowment,
Municipality of Pärnu, Ministry of Culture.
Curator Mark Soosaar
Open at the Museum of New Art from Dec. 12th, 2022 to Feb. 5th, 2023
W – S 11 AM to 6 PM
Rüütli 40a, Pärnu 80010
www.mona.ee
tel: 4430772
PHOTOS FROM THE EXHIBITION:
