Maori Tattoos

Maori tattoos are among the most distinctive tattoos in the world. Tattooing was a sacred art among the Maori people of New Zealand, and probably came to them from the islands of East Polynesia.

Traditional Maori Tattoos: Ta Moko

Traditional Maori tattoos are known as ta moko, and they consisted of bold spiral designs covering the face and, in some cases, the buttocks and legs. In fact, the term ta moko referred to the process of tattooing, while the tattoo design itself – the finished product – was ‘moko’. However, as we shall see, the tattooing process and the Maori tattoo itself were inseparable according to Maori tradition. The whole thing had as sacred significance – the Maori tattoo design itself, and the long and painful process (Maori tribe tattooing was done with bone chisels!) of acquiring the tattoo.

Maori Tattoos: The Legend

The precise history of the Maori tattoo is rather vague, but we do know the legendary source. According to legend, ta moko came from the underworld; when Mataora, a young warrior, fell in love with Niwareka, the princess of the underworld, she agreed to come aboveground to marry him. When he mistreated her, however, Niwareka went back to her father’s kingdom. Eventually, sick with guilt and with his face paint smudged, Mataora made his way down to the underworld to try to win her back. He succeeded, and Niwareka’s father taught him the art of Maori tribe tattooing as well! Mataora brought ta moko – Maori tattoos - as well as other skills he had picked up in the underworld, back with him, and the ideas caught on.

Moari Tattooing: The Ritual

Maori tattooing was an involved process. Knives and chisels were used, either smooth or serrated, and the ink was applied by means of incisions. Needless to say, this was a painful process, but traditional Maori tattoos were meant to be more than decorative – they were a show of strength, courage and status. Both men and women were tattooed, though women substantially less (maybe because there was less of a need for them to show courage!)

The process of Maori tattooing was a ritual, with music and fasting – in fact, fasting was more or less a necessity, because the face would swell up from the wounds caused by the tattooing process! Maori tattoo art was very beautiful, consisting of curved shapes and spirals in intricate patterns. Tattooing would usually start at adolescence, and was used to celebrate important events throughout life. It was an important part of the culture – in fact, people without tattoos were considered to be without status or worth.

Maori Tattoos Today

Nowadays, the traditional Maori tribe tattooing or ta moko is all but extinct, but Maori tattoos may be making a comeback. Though Maori culture is undergoing a revival, an interruption occurred after the coming of European settlers, during which traditions such a tattooing lost much of its significance.

Maori-inspired tattoos, however, are a different matter. Many of us appreciate the bold statement that Maori tattoo designs make, and this style of tribal tattooing is growing in popularity. Modern Maori tattoos are usually found on the body rather than the face, and, of course, modern tattooing methods are used – but the traditional ta moko inspired designs have a universal and timeless appeal.