Sage-Tips

Do Maori tattoos have meanings?

Tā moko – the art of Māori tattoo – is a unique expression of cultural heritage and identity. In Māori culture, it reflects the individual’s whakapapa (ancestry) and personal history. In earlier times it was an important signifier of social rank, knowledge, skill and eligibility to marry.

What are Maori tattoo artists called and what’s so special about each tattoo?

Maori tattoos are one of a kind. The Maori tattoo artist is called the tohunga ta moko which means moko specialist. These tattooists are highly respected, and considered tapu which means inviolable or holy. Tohunga ta moko were mostly men, but there are a few women who take up the practice.

Why are tattoos an important part of Maori culture?

To the Maori, tattooing is linked to mana or a sense of pride and prestige. The head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body, so ta moko was reserved for the face only and for Maori of high social status. Facial moko for Maori women was a chin tattoo or moko kauae.

What tattoos did Maoris use?

The pigment used in tā moko was usually made from charcoal mixed with oil or liquid from plants. Known as wai ngārahu, it was stored in special containers. Uhi (chisels) for tattooing were traditionally made from the bones of sea birds. Māori also had comb-like instruments for putting pigment into skin.

What does a chin tattoo mean?

The first lines tattooed on the chin marked a girl who had come of age and was now an adult. That was celebrated. Tattoos symbolized moments in a woman’s life, reflecting things like marriage and children. More tattoos meant a woman was older and had accomplished more, which was also celebrated.

Does moko mean child?

grandchild
1. (noun) grandchild – a term of address used by an older person for a grandchild or a young child. Short for mokopuna.

What is the Māori symbol for family?

In Ta Moko tattoo art, the koru represents parenthood, ancestry, and genealogy. It’s believed to have human characteristics – a head, an eye, a neck, body, and tail. Because of these human characteristics, designs with a single koru and multiple koru growing from it are said to represent whakapapa (ancestry).

What are New Zealand tattoos called?

Tā moko
Tā moko is the permanent marking or “tattoo” as traditionally practised by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Why do Maoris tattoo their faces?

Facial tattoos have been a part of Maori culture for centuries, a sacred marker of the wearer’s genealogy and heritage. “We have to protect the last bastions that we have as Maori to make us different,” said one expert.

Can I get a Polynesian tattoo if I’m not Polynesian?

CAN A NON-POLYNESIAN GET A POLYNESIAN TATTOO? Yes, and no. Tapu elements should only be used by people who are entitled to them by family and descent, after proper ceremonies are held, while everyone else should only use noa elements for their tattoos.

What is the meaning of a Maori tattoo?

Meaning of Maori Tattos. Maori tattoos can also be used to represent relationships or marriages. This is mainly brought out by use of a human symbol in the tattoo. This can also be extended to mean life and experiences encountered by people in day to day life.

What are Maori tribal tattoos?

In traditional Maori facial tattoos, these are alleged to be: Center of the forehead – refers to the person’s overall rank within the social group Under the eyebrows – position Around the eyes and nose – sub-tribe rank, known as hapu Around the temples – marital status, including the number of marriages the person has had

What is the history of Maori tattoos?

Maori tattoos are said to have originated in New Zealand. They started from a love affair between a very young man called Mataora and a princess whose name was Niwareka who was from the underworld.

What is the Maori symbol?

Meaning of Maori Symbols and Designs. Toki (Adze) Toki is the Maori tribal symbol of strength. This symbol resembles determination, control, strength and focus honor. Its shape represents an axe head. The toki (adze) was used by the Maori as a everyday working tool for shaving and chipping and sometimes as a weapon.