Maori tattoos, or moko, are essential to Maori culture and history. They are used to share stories and symbolize various concepts, such as social status and family connections. Moko tattoos preserve history while providing visual narratives. However, the growing popularity of Maori Tattoos among non-Maori individuals has sparked debates about cultural appropriation. Nevertheless, these tattoos are beautiful and significant for Maori people.
Nga Hau E Wha
Nga Hau E Wha is a Maori tattoo representing the four winds. It is a popular choice for people who want to show their connection with Aotearoa (New Zealand). This tattoo symbolizes the power of Tawhirimatea and Tangaroa while also reflecting respect for the various aspects of life.
Tamanuitera
Your lifestyle includes enjoying special foods, drinks, clothing, and luxuries like designer brands. However, you often feel guilty for not doing more charity work. You genuinely care about good causes, but sometimes, it feels incompatible with your current lifestyle. Your intuition lets you quickly understand people’s motivations, but your strong personality keeps you distant from insignificant conversations (small talk).
Hei Matua
Maori Tattoos are traditionally worn to display rank, position, and ancestry. These tattoos are deeply carved into the skin, each design carrying spiritual significance. Today, they remain popular among those who appreciate Maori culture and heritage.
A Hei Matau is a traditional Maori tattoo design of a fish hook. It symbolizes strength, prosperity, and good fortune. This design serves as a reminder of Maui and is considered a cultural treasure in Maori culture. Carved greenstone or bone jewelry featuring this design is considered a taonga (treasure) in New Zealand.
The manaia is another popular Maori tattoo design, depicting an imaginary bird-headed fish with feathery wings. It symbolizes strength, courage, and communication between spirits and humans. A gecko tattoo resembling a chameleon’s body represents adaptability in any environment and quick thinking.
Koru
The koru, New Zealand’s national symbol, represents renewal and growth. This beautiful tattoo design combines both aspects, making it an excellent choice for showcasing one’s spiritual side.
Maori Tattoos feature main lines called manawa, symbolizing the wearer’s life journey. Each additional koru branching off from the main line represents someone significant to the individual, often family or loved ones. Traditionally, Maori people adorned their faces with tattoos, but nowadays, tattoos are also standard on other body parts. Men typically had their whole faces tattooed, while women usually limited their Tattoos to chins, lips, and nostrils. Both genders received Tattoos on their arms, necks, and legs. The traditional tattooing method, ta moko, involved making deep cuts into the skin and filling them with pigment by tapping chisels into the amounts, resulting in distinct, splinter-like patterns on the body.
