Maori tattooing, known as moko, represents a person’s history, family heritage, and culture. Once used to indicate social standing or rank, it also tells their individual stories today.
Symbolism
Maori Tattoos feature two main lines called manawa lines, which symbolize your life journey. They often feature the koru symbol from New Zealand silver fern plants that represent growth, harmony, and new beginnings and represent loved ones such as family, friends, and work colleagues.
Maori men with full facial moko were considered symbols of status and power, representing achievements, positions held, ancestry, and noble lineage. Only those of noble descent could attain this honorable distinction.
Maori were expected to follow specific rules while getting their moko done, including not crying out in pain or eating solid foods that would contaminate their swollen skin. Also, Maori were expected to treat the experience as a sacred rite of passage and be courteous around others during this process.
Origins
Maori people initially employed knives and chisels (UHI) to carve facial Tattoos into their skin using ritualized and sacred procedures known as tapu – meaning holy – performed only by experts known as tohunga ta moko. While extremely painful, this process required its recipient to abstain from sexual intimacy and consume only liquid food through a funnel to prevent food from polluting their swollen faces.
Placement
Maori tattoos, known as ta moko, are worn by significant members of Maori culture to reflect their whakapapa (ancestry) and express individual identity within their tribe. Standard placement options for these designs are on either arm or leg – although others could also exist on other parts of the body.
Design
Maori tattoo designs are intricate and unique. Each Maori tattoo aims to represent its wearer’s identity, life experiences, and ancestry as a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and honor. Large sizes allow viewers to view its details more clearly while being most suitable for light skin tones.
