How do Maori tattoos work?
Maori Tattoo, Rotorua Before the arrival of European settlers, the complex designs of tā moko were carved into the skin. This method of tattooing is based on the use of broad toothed combs of varying widths called uhi (chisel blades), dipped in dark pigment, and struck into the skin with small mallets known as tā.
Can anyone get a moko?
Moko kauae is the right of Māori women. It is not a right for anyone else. Moko kauae is the reassertion of an indigenous right that has been marginalised, demeaned and denied by Pākehā colonial dominance. It is not a right for Pākehā women.
What do New Zealand tattoos mean?
In the past, Ta Moko tattoos traditionally represented particular Maori tribes but for those of different heritage/ancestry – this is not the case. However, the tattoo can have a range of other legitimate meanings, such as your family (physical lives), prosperity, travel, strength, your career path etc.
What can a Tamoko mean?
Why choose Zealand tattoo?
Zealand Tattoo specialise in the more timeless design art forms that have proven themselves to have withstood the test of time and will not rapidly date, like many other Tattoo Art ‘fads’ and trends have done. Zealand Tattoo are the New Zealand Maori Tattoo design experts…
What kind of tattoos do Maori get?
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. Women were more often known to tattoo their arms, neck and thighs.
What is a kahikatea tattoo made of?
A rake-like instrument, usually made of teeth or bone, was used to break the skin; then a flat-edged blade was used to tap in the dye, creating a tattoo with a scarred, chiselled appearance. The pigment used was soot obtained from burning kahikatea, or white pine, sometimes mixed with kauri gum or soot from the oily koromiko (hebe) shrub.
What do the lines on a Māori tattoo mean?
These lines represent your life journey. Common tattoo designs can include the koru, which literally represents an unfurling silver fern, and symbolically represents a new life or the unfolding of someone’s life path. When used in Māori tattoos, the koru usually stands for a loved one or family member.