Traditional Tattoos     

  The ta moko, Maori tattoo, is a traditional ceremony of marking one's body and face. Ta moko was traditionally performed using chisels made from bone.  Moko was unique in that the part of the body was decorated with intricate designs.  Many chisels were used with a straight or serrated edge.  A chisel was beat by a mallet but in order to get the grooves deep into the flesh. Not only was the skin tattooed but it was also incised  to make scars before the ink was added.  This leaves the skin more textured rather than smooth as are normal tatoos. The pain was excruciating with lots of blood but one was proud to be representing their heritage.

 

      Tattooing is a main aspect of Maori culture and an expression of commitment and respect to their heritage.  The men wear moko on their face, buts, thighs and arms, while the women typically have moko on their chin and lips representing fertility.  Women were not as elaborately tattooed as the men though.  There were however, very few women who had full facial tattoos.

 

      One is to receive a ta moko by a tohunga ta moko, tattoo expert.  Each experience is supposed to be a sacred ritual.  The design of each tattoo is unique to the wearer and conveys information about their personality, struggles and beliefs.  Most ta mokos represent tribal affiliations, status, and achievements.   This is their way of communicating the pride they have for their heritage and who they are through these intricate designs. 

 

      Some Maori even took the heads of their enemies as a trophy and tattooed specific designs on them. Maori’s soon found out that the European traders were so intrigued that they would trade one for a musket.  Some Maori people would raid other villages for their heads to trade for guns.

 

Modern Tattoos       

      Today most tattoos are done using modern tattoo machines, leaving the skin smooth.  Even in these modern times, some still practice the traditional ta moko. In the past few decades there have been more practices of ta moko as a sign of cultural identity.   Those who practice their Maori heritage are communicating a sense of pride to the rest of New Zealand.  The Maori tattoo practice is unlike another other culture and their designs on their faces were remarkable. 

 

 

Ta Moko Legend

      The history is about a love story between Mataoroa and Niwareka.  Mataora was a ordinary man, while Niwareka was a princess of the underworld.  The princess wanted to explore the world above and while she was there she met Mataoroa.  After falling in love they were married.  During this time there was no knowledge of ta moko since she was not from this world.  Mataoroa only had designs painted on his body instead of chiseled. 

 

       One day Mataora mistreated Niwareka, so she left and returned to her father in the underworld.  Looking for her forgiveness he braved the many trials to reach her, but when he found her the paint on his face was smeared from all the sweat.  Her people laughed at him since they had chiseled faces and permanent designs.  Mataoroa was ashamed so he asked her father to teach him the technique of ta moko.  His wife was very impressed with his commitment, she eventually forgave him and they both returned to the world above taking the knowledge of ta moko.