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  Style > Tattoo
Lankomumo reitingas Print version Print version
Ta Moko - Tattoo

For over a thousand years, respected admired and feared by strangers, the art of moko is kept alive as an integral part of the cultural identity of the Maori.

In rhe traditional form of moko, teeth or albatross bone was used to carve into the skin and then the dye forced into the cut flesh with a flat edged blade. This created not only a tattoo but a chiseled scar. Both the chiselled and the flat blade, the Carui gum and the wooden mallet have been replaced by the mihini moko, the tattoo machine.

Ta Moko was like a history of a person's achievements and represented their status in their tribe. It was applied to the face and buttocks of men, and to the chin, lips and shoulders of women. Depending on their ranking, they may also have facial Ta Moko. There were no set patterns and the meaning of the Ta Moko was dependent on its placement on the face.

Legend tells that tattooing began with a love affair.

One day the Maori chief, Mataora ("Face of Vitality") met the daughter of the Chief of the Underworld. Her name was Niwareka and the two, falling in love, were wed.

One day however, Mataora struck her with his fist ! Niwareka left and went running back to the realm of her father, Uetonga. Mataora, filled with guilt and heartbreak followed his princess. After many trials, and after overcoming numerous obstacles, Mataora eventually arrived at the Underworld, bedraggled and dishevelled, his face paint messed and dirty after his voyage.

Uetonga was practising tattooing and agreed to tattoo Mataora, if he could remain brave during the four hour long carving of his face. Mataora remained brave and sung of his sorrow and his search for Niwareka in the underworld.

In his very humbled state, Mataora begged Niwareka for forgiveness, which she eventually accepted. Uetonga offered to teach Mataora the art of tattooing, and the art of Taniko , weaving - the plaiting of cloak borders in many colours.

The tattooing of Mataora served as a reminder to avoid the evil actions of the upper world

The art of moko today is in revival, appreciated as a true tribal art form. The Maori have always seen moko as their cultural identity, and the elders are encouraging the resurgence of the art.

Susanna Duffy

   
Lankomumo reitingas

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