What tattoos did Maoris use?
Maori tattoo traditionally does not involve the use of needles; rather the Maori used knives and chisels made from shark teeth, sharpened bone or sharp stones. The chisel, also called the uhi, was made from albatross bon although some were said to be made of iron.
What is the meaning of Ta Moko?
tattoo art
“Ta Moko” means tattoo art in Maori. Often these tattoos covered the whole face and were a symbol of rank, social status, power and prestige for the Maori people. Ta Moko is a visual language which connects the person who has it to his “whakapapa”.
What is the name of traditional Māori tattooing in New Zealand?
Tā moko
Tā moko is the permanent marking or “tattoo” as traditionally practised by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Tohunga-tā-moko (tattooists) were considered tapu, or inviolable and sacred.
What is the process of getting a ta moko?
The process of tā moko was highly skilled, and tohunga tā moko (tattoo experts) were greatly respected. They were paid with treasures such as weapons, cloaks and greenstone. The process was very ritualised and tapu (sacred), and the person being tattooed was fed using a special funnel.
Can Pakeha get Māori tattoos?
Moko is born of Māori culture. If a completed tattoo design is not born of, attached to and expressing that Māori culture, then it can not be correctly termed moko. It can safely be called kirituhi or a Māori style tattoo.
Who can get a Ta Moko?
Ta Moko is primarily for those of Maori blood and descent, while Kirituhi is for those of non Maori heritage.
Is Ta Moko tattoo?
As moko is a Māori tradition, and a symbol of integrity, Māori identity and prestige, only tattoos that are done by and on Māori are considered to be moko.
Can a non Māori get a Māori tattoo?
Kirituhi is the official name for a Māori-style tattoo either created by or made for a non-Māori person. Anyone can get kirituhi, no matter where they come from or their cultural upbringing: they have been created so that Māori can share their customs with the masses.