Do you have to be Māori to get a moko?

"You can only have it if you have a genealogy that is Maori. "It reflects who we are and it represents your family, your sub-tribes and tribes." Associate Professor Te Kahautu Maxwell at the University of Waikato - who is also tattooed - says the moko has become an important symbol of post-colonialism.

Who is allowed to get 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 ...

Can a non Maori get tā moko?

Tattoo Styles

Ta Moko is primarily for those of Maori blood and descent, while Kirituhi is for those of non Maori heritage. Ta Moko and Kirituhi tell a story, the story of the person wearing the tattoo.

Who can get a Puhoro?

Traditionally, puhoro was reserved for the warriors and leaders who had acquired speed, agility and swiftness. However the Tohunga Suppression Act and colonial attitudes towards traditional Māori tattoos nearly saw the artform die out before experiencing a renaissance in the 1990s.

Is it OK to get a Polynesian tattoo?

No, and yes.

Creating a Polynesian tattoo that tells your own story and being able to say what it represents, shows that you acknowledge and respect the importance of such tattoo and therefore it is not seen as disrespectful. It shows your appreciation and admiration for Polynesian art and culture.

Tā Moko - Introduction

Is tribal tattoo disrespectful?

Native American tattoos – to get a tattoo that depicts either Native Americans or any of the Native American symbolism (Indian headdress, dreamcatchers, and feathers, spiritual animals like eagle or bear, etc.), without belonging to the culture, heritage, and tradition, is considered offensive and disrespectful.

Is it cultural appropriation to get a tribal tattoo?

Tribal. There are many different types of tribal art, including Celtic, Iban, Mayan, and Aztec deities. Unless there's a personal connection to the culture, these tattoos could be seen as cultural appropriation.

What does a moko represent?

A moko kauae represents a woman's whānau and leadership within her community, recognising her whakapapa, status, and abilities. It is a traditional taonga passed down over many generations from the ancestress Niwareka.

What does Puhoro mean in English?

Puhoro, or traditional Māori tattoos on the thigh and buttocks, is normally associated with males but a young woman has taken these markings as an expression of her identity as a Māori woman.

How do you plan a Ta Moko?

Can you get a Māori tattoo if your not Māori?

Many artists still use the term Kirituhi when tattooing non-Maori recipients. Kirituhi, however has allowed non-Maori tattooers all over the world to imitate traditional Maori tattooing, using the label Kirituhi so as not to cause offence.

Is Moana a Māori?

1) are of Samoan heritage; and New Zealand-born Rachel House (Tala, Moana's grandmother), Temuera Morrison (Tui, Moana's father), and Jemaine Clement (Tamatoa) are of Māori heritage.

What is a mataora tattoo?

The designs of Maori male facial tattooing commonly known as Moko, are also referred to as Mataora Moko. Mataora is the Mythical figure attributed with venturing into Rarohenga (the Underworld), bringing back with him knowledge of tattooing.

Who can get a mataora?

Mataora & Kauae are reservedly for those of Maori descent only. To wear the markings of your ancestors proudly, it is necessary to also understand the history of these markings.

How old do you have to be to get a moko?

The story of my moko is of my family and I'm just proud to wear my family on my shoulder.” New Zealand doesn't have a legal age restriction for getting a tattoo. However, some council bylaws require parental consent at 18. Trinity says parents should be open to their children getting inked by a professional.

Does moko mean child?

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

What is a female Māori face tattoo called?

Tā moko for men and women

As māori believe the head is the most sacred part of the body, facial tattoos have special significance. Moko kauae - are received by women on their lips and chin. A moko kauae represents a woman's whānau and leadership within her community, recognising her whakapapa, status, and abilities.

How did Māori tattoo?

Maori tattoo can be very painful

First deep cuts were incised into the skin and then the chisel was dipped into the pigment and tapped into the cuts. Another variation on this process involved dipping the chisel into the jar of pigment and inserting it into the skin by striking the end with a mallet.

What does Pakati mean?

It consists of a row of dog-tooth notches (pakati) on each side of which are parallel grooves (haehae) and ridges (raumoa).

What does the tattoo with 3 dots mean?

The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It's not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes.

What does a line down your chin mean?

Chin tattoos, specifically, were simple patterns of lines running down the chin's length and known as chin stripe or “tamlughun”. These tattoos signify that a young Inuit girl has reached puberty. Furthermore, they also help to protect these women from enemy raids.

How much is a Puhoro?

Puhoro journey requires a commitment of x5-8 day sessions and is valued at $5000-$8000 depending on your body size, puhoro design and your ability to sit.

Is an Om tattoo offensive?

As much as getting the Om symbol tattooed on your body can be a sign of cultural appreciation, honoring and deeply connecting to the Hindi culture and ancient traditions, if poorly understood or conceived, an Om tattoo can take you down the path of disrespectful cultural appropriation.

What tattoos are offensive?

Is a lotus flower tattoo offensive?

“The lotus symbolizes enlightenment but if you place it upside down it means the opposite. Religious symbols or portraits of gods shouldn't be tattooed on feet because it's a sin in Hinduism. People should just respect that,” he says. Remember, it's never acceptable to get a tattoo of Buddha.