ta moko
There has been a recent rise in New Zealand in the traditional practice of ‘ta moko’. This unique Maori tattoo is being embraced by Maori men and women, as a sign of their cultural identity and a reflection of the revival of the Maori language and culture.
Ta moko is distinct from the usual tattoos we [...]
Ta moko is distinct from the usual tattoos we [...]
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28/01/10
by mcphee
There has been a recent rise in New Zealand in the traditional practice of ‘ta moko’. This unique Maori tattoo is being embraced by Maori men and women, as a sign of their cultural identity and a reflection of the revival of the Maori language and culture.
Ta moko is distinct from the usual tattoos we know of as the skin is carved using a ‘uhi’ or a chisel rather than punctured with needles. The result is that the skin is scarred and marked to reflect the ‘whakapapa’ (genealogy) of the Maori wearer, thereby telling a story of the wearer’s family, tribal affiliations, and their place in society.
Originally the moko specialists used a range of uhi made from albatross bone which were grafted onto a handle, and struck with a mallet. Pigments were made from a vegetable caterpillar for the body colour, and burnt timbers for the black face colour.
maori tattoo
Apart from signalling status and rank, the Maoris saw the moko as making a person more attractive to the opposite sex. Men generally received moko on their faces, buttocks and thighs. Women usually wore moko on their lips and chins.
A moko on the face is the ultimate statement of one’s identity as a M?ori as the head is believed to be the most sacred part of the body. To wear the moko on the face is to bear an undeniable declaration of who you are.
Why not head down to New Zealand to get a moko like a local on our back to nature experience
enquire here or
