How are Māori tattoos done?

Maori Tattoo, Rotorua

Before the arrival of European settlers, the complex designs of tā moko were carved into the skin. This method of tattooing is based on the use of broad toothed combs of varying widths called uhi (chisel blades), dipped in dark pigment, and struck into the skin with small mallets known as tā.

Is Maori tattoo painful?

New Zealand Tattooing of Maori Designs Is Diverse

It was a highly painful process which leaves grooves in the skin, making the end result very unique. The modern process of Maori tattooing is no different from getting any other tattoo. Electronic tattoo needles are used, as well as modern indelible inks.

Can you get a Maori tattoo if you're not Maori?

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.

Why do Maori people tattoo themselves?

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 tattoo ink did Maoris use?

Gunpowder and Indian ink

The introduction of guns by Europeans allowed Māori to use gunpowder to make pigments, and this gave a blue tinge to tattooed skin. Eventually Indian ink became available, and some tohunga tā moko combined this ink with traditional materials.

You've seen Maori tattoos before, but getting one is a meaningful cultural event

How long does a tā moko take?

As such, the ta moko process was long and painful, taking as long as a year for a piece to be completed. Various tattoos and their placement have specific meanings. Because the Māori believe the head is the most sacred part of the body, here are some of the most common face moko among Māori men: 1.

Who can 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 ...

Is Moana a Māori?

The majority of the film's cast members are of Polynesian descent: Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina, Moana's mother) were born in Hawaii and are of Native Hawaiian heritage; Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Oscar Kightley (Fisherman), and Troy Polamalu (Villager No. 1) are of Samoan heritage; and New Zealand- ...

What are Māori tattoos called?

A Maori chin tattoo represents their dedication to their tribe and their culture. It also represents social status, as it is highly significant to wear this kind of design on your chin. Called a moko, this tattoo is a symbol of respecting a women's ancestors and celebrate their identity as a Maori.

Why do Māori make that face?

Why are moko so important to Maori? Moko are carved into the skin using chisels. They are a sacred tradition, denoting a person's links with their family and cultural identity. Facial tattoos - moko kauae - are of particular importance.

Is it disrespectful to get a tribal tattoo?

DO POLYNESIAN PEOPLE CONSIDER DISRESPECTFUL IF OTHERS GET A POLYNESIAN TATTOO? No, and yes. It depends on how you approach Polynesian art and, ultimately, culture. Plain copying someone else's tattoo is always disrespectful, because you are stealing their own story.

Can you design your own Ta Moko?

Your original hand-crafted Ta Moko designs (Maori Tattoo designs) can be taken to a reputable Tattoo Artist in your own city where you can have your Maori Tattoo designs applied to your skin.

How do you prepare Ta Moko?

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.

Why do Māori have tattoo on the chin?

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.

What does a line down your chin mean?

The chin stripe as it is called, also known as tamlughun, was multiple stripes that ran down the chin. This chin stripe was used as a ritual for girls that have reached maturity. It was a signal to men that the particular woman had reached puberty, this tattoo was also used as a form of protection during enemy raids.

Is Te Fiti a real God?

Is Te Fiti Based On a Real Legend? Yes and no. Te Fiti does not exist in Polynesian mythology, but there is a goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes called Pele. Some fans are speculating that Pele is Te Fiti's real-life legend counterpart.

Who is Te Fiti in real life?

Is Te Fiti a real place? Te Fiti is not a real place. However, the creators of Moana did base Te Fiti on Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. Art directors Bill Schwab and Andy Harkness told Variety that the research for the film was crucial in perfecting the animation.

Does Te Fiti mean heaven?

Maui is her guardian angel, who was tasked to take her to 'Te Fiti', which stands for heaven in the movie. “The whole movie was about her journey to the afterlife.”

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.

How much does it cost to get a tā moko?

The costs: We charge $150 per hour. This includes consultation, design and application of your work.

How much does a Puhoro cost?

Puhoro By Lance

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.

How did Maori tattoos start?

The art of Maori tattoo was brought to New Zealand by the people of Eastern Polynesia in 1769 Captain James Cook. The word tattow itself was pegged as Cook's adaptation of the native Tahitian word tautau.

What can a Ta Moko represent?

Tā moko reflects an individual's whakapapa (ancestry) and personal history. In earlier times, it was an important signifier of social rank, knowledge, skill and eligibility to marry. Many of the designs are universal.

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in NZ?

Know age restrictions

You must not carry out tattooing on any person under 18 years of age unless the parent or guardian gives written permission.