Tā moko is the permanent marking or tattooing as customarily practised by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It is one of the five main Polynesian tattoo styles (the other four are Marquesan, Samoan, Tahitian and Hawaiian). [1] Tohunga -tā-moko (tattooists) were considered tapu, or inviolable and sacred. [2]

Tāmoko is worn on the face and body but the protocols for facial tattoos differ according to gender. Men receive moko kanohi on the entire face or just the lower half of the face, whereas women wear moko kauae on the chin and sometimes both the chin and lips.

Nov 28, 2023 · Maori face tattoo, also known as “Moko,” is a traditional form of body art created by the Maori people, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Moko is applied to the face using a chisel and ink pigment, with each design being unique to the individual.

Discover the history and practice of tāmoko, and find out why the lines of a moko carved in skin represent much more than a tattoo. The Western and Eastern Pacific method of tattooing is based on the use of broad toothed combs of varying widths called uhi, dipped in dark pigment, and struck into the skin with small mallets known as tā.

Dec 5, 2024 · Why Do Maori Tattoo Their Face? Tā moko is a permanent marking or tattooing practiced by the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It is one of the five main Polynesian tattoo styles, and Maori women have always had facial tattoos.

In New Zealand, Māori developed techniques to cut deeply into the skin, producing grooved scars. The spiral motifs are distinctively Māori. Moko originated in rituals of mourning for the dead. Women would haehae (cut) themselves with shells or obsidian and put soot in the wounds.

Dec 16, 2023 · Tā Moko, the facial tattooing of the Māori, carries a history rich with spiritual depth and social importance. This article illuminates why these markings are far more than just skin-deep artistry, revealing identity and heritage to those who wear them. Discover the story behind each line and curve.

The focal point of Maori tattooing was generally the face. Men had full facial tattoos, while women only had their chin, lips and nostrils tattooed. Some Maori also had other parts of the body tattooed, such as their back, buttocks and legs.

Nov 5, 2021 · Here's a look at an ancient Māori tradition, as told through art. Tā moko were traditional tattoos worn by both men and women and were prevalent in Māori society before European arrival. While moko could adorn many different parts of the body, the most significant mokos were tattooed onto the face.

Jun 6, 2023 · Maori Ta Moko is a traditional form of facial tattooing that has been practiced by the indigenous people of New Zealand for centuries. This sacred art form is deeply rooted in Maori culture and holds significant spiritual and cultural significance.