What does moko represent today?

Tā moko today Since 1990 there has been a resurgence in the practice of tā moko for both men and women, as a sign of cultural identity and a reflection of the general revival of the language and culture. Te Uhi a Mataora was established in 2000 “to preserve, enhance, and develop tā moko as a living art form”.

Who can wear a moko?

In less than one generation that thinking has been largely discarded, as part of a deliberate “decolonising” of those perceived barriers – and as a result the practice of moko kauae is widespread, with a general consensus that the only eligibility criterion is whakapapa – if you are a Māori woman, you have the right to …

What is the significance of Māori tattoos?

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.

Do you have to be Māori to get a Ta Moko?

Moko has in recent years been divided into two main branches; Ta Moko and Kirituhi. Ta Moko is primarily for those of Maori blood and descent, while Kirituhi is for those of non Maori heritage.

What does it mean to have a ta moko tattoo?

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 does a moko mean in New Zealand?

All symbols have meaning, usually a tribal link that tells the background and stories of the wearer. Moko is a visual language that connects the wearer to their whakapapa. Does getting a moko hurt? Yes.

What does it mean to have moko on your face?

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. Traditionally men received moko on their faces, buttocks and thighs. Māori face tattoos are the ultimate expression of Māori identity.

What was the traditional tool of Ta Moko?

Traditional tā moko artists used a chisel to scar and mark the skin. The modern tool of tā moko is the tattoo machine, although some tā moko artists alternate between traditional and modern methods. While the needle is faster and more precise, hand tools bring the ritual more in line with how it was done traditionally.