What is moko

Since then, more traditional Maori art has made a comeback and people are inserting their own meanings and themes into the more traditional art work. Most of these modern Maori tattoos use needle-based machines, rather than the traditional tools and methods mentioned above.

The Maori people have revived the old methods of tattooing in an effort to preserve their cultural heritage. Both men and women have now become involved in the traditional practice. The art organisation known as Te Uhi a Mataora was recently established by traditional Maori practitioners. Te Uhi a Mataora envision the retention and further development of ta moko as a living art form.

Their main concern is the growing practice of ta moko by non-Maori people. They strive to propagate the art form by reviving old traditions and preserving old methods and designs. They also inform others that Maori tattooing is a cultural symbol, and should not be taken lightly. If you are a non-Maori who admires Maori artwork and tattooing and wants to have one done it is advisable to seek out a Maori tattoo artist with sufficient knowledge of ta moko.

We have extensively experienced Maori artists here at Zealand Tattoo who are able to design you a custom, yet traditional, Maori design that is respectful and in honour of traditional Maori. This myth or legend outlines the idea that Maui was the last born out of five boys. When he was born his mother thought that he was a stillborn so she cut off her topknot, or bun, wrapped him in it and threw him out to sea. Maui eventually washed up on the shore and was found by a tohanga who brought Maui up and taught him many important things like how to live off the resources of the land and the transformation into birds.

Maui learnt many techniques very quickly and became an expert at everything he learned, particularly the art of navigation. Maui achieved a great many accomplishments in his lifetime such as the slowing down of Tama Nuitera and giving the world longer days, obtaining fire from Mahuika or the God of Fire and almost securing immortality for all man kind from the maiden of the great darkness, Hine Nuitepo.

The term pikorua is Maori for the growth and joining together of two different things e. Some iwi tribes believed it wasTangaroa and Papatuanuku who were together in the beginning. Maori people believe that we came from Mother Earth and one day we go back to her, as the tattoo design depicts all rivers eventually lead to the ocean.

So it is believed that in life, we all take different paths and there are many different bends that we all end up in the same place. This Maori tattoo is a representation of life and journey that it takes.

This tattoo design is a representation of the four corners of the earth and nga hau e wha — the four winds. Tawhirimatea and Tangaroa are two Maori gods or Atua have the power to destroy anything in their path and they have done so on many occasions. No matter what your beliefs in life may be, this still applies to all mankind. Aotearoa, is a place for all people of all races and creeds.

Tamanuitera represents new growth and warmth and Hei Matua is strength and prosperity in whatever you desire to do and koru is a continuation of all of these things. According to the Maori, in the beginning there were Rangi and Papa and they had many children. As the children grew older they needed more room to move.

One day, Tumatauenga decided he wanted to part his parents, this would allow them to have light and also they could move around freely. All of the Gods and brothers tried to part with their parents with the exception of Ruaumoko who was a baby in his mothers womb together with Tawhirimatea, who opposed the idea. Firstly, Tumatauenga tried and failed and finally it came to Tanemahuta who was successful. Tawhirimatea who opposed went to live with his father and he periodically punishes his brothers with storms.

In addition, there was Ruamoko who still resides with his mother and from time to time he also punishes Tana with his earthquakes. Despite the little amount of information that we have on the origins of the Maori tattoo, it has a rich recorded history. The books, such as those my the aforementioned Major General Robley as well as Michael King and John Rutherford have helped in preserving the significance and interest in Maori tattoos.

The lack of definite origins seems to add more mystique to this already captivating form of early art. Perhaps it is that mystery which has made the Maori tattoo endure. The koru depicts new beginnings, growth and harmony, taken from the symbolism of an unfurled fern leaf. New Zealand has some of the most beautiful ferns in the world. Hei matau fish hook : The Maori symbols or meaning or hei matau, more commonly known as the fish hook symbolises prosperity.

Maori use fish in many of their traditional food dishes. Fish were so plentiful to the Maori that the simple ownership of a fish hook meant prosperity. The fish hook also represents strength, determination and good health, as well as providing safe journey over water. Single twist: The Maori symbols or meaning for the single twist represents the path of life, it is the symbol of eternity. The single figure eight is different than the double and triple twists mentioned below.

Want to stand out from the crowd with a striking art piece that is tailor-made for the individual. And applied with the highest standards of professional care.

Online Design Enquire About a Tattoo. About our Christchurch Studio. Koru spiral : The koru depicts new beginnings, growth and harmony, taken from the symbolism of an unfurled fern leaf. It also served as a reminder to people about their responsibility in life. It was a huge honour for people to have Ta Moko. Ta Moko was worn by both men and women. 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 Ta Moko on their face.

Occasionally women would put small markings over their faces or shoulders as a sign that someone close to them had died. There were no set patterns to the Ta Moko and the meaning of the Ta Moko was dependent on its placement on the face. The left side of the face related to the father's history and the right side to the mother's history.

One day a Maori chief, Mataora, was visited by young people from Rarohenga the underworld. With them was the daughter of the underworld ruler Uetonga. Definition of moko. Love words? Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with: More than , words that aren't in our free dictionary Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes Advanced search features Ad free!

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