Maori Tattoos
No one really knows where Maori tattoos originally came from. The common belief is that it comes from certain tribes of New Zealand. But, actually the art probably originated from the tribes of the islands of East Polynesia. That is why there is such a striking similarity between traditional Hawaiian tattoos and Maori tattoos. In the art of Maori tattoos the entire process of inking the design goes by the name Ta Moko. Ta Moko means, in it’s literal translation ‘to strike or tap’. And it refers to the process in which the ink is applied.
You see, a traditional Maori tattoo artist will take a chisel like device made out of bone or wood and actually strike the ink into the skin. I know that it sounds crude and painful but if you have ever seen the process you would think that it was pretty cool. When the Maori tattoo is completed it is then called Moko. These designs are usually done in varying shades of black but they can also be done in red and brown hues. Traditionally women would get their ink on their chins or lips, while the men would usually get their entire face inked. That concludes this history lesson, class dismissed! |
Maori Tattoos
The maori tattoos are probably the originals of all of the so called tribal tattoos our there. These came from the traditional peoples of New Zealand. In the last several years many people outside of that culture have gotten these types of tattoo with what can only be termed as the wrong significance and this has angered the maori people to some extent. Whatever the case, these tattoos have become very popular and they better get used to it because people all over the world are getting them now. The maori tattoos originally had great significance.
Each and every one meant something unique and something different but the people of today have very little understanding of the maori tribal ways and basically go an get maori tattoos for no other reason than they look cool. In the days of their ancient culture, the facial tattoos were primarily reserved only for chiefs. And these were not only tattoos. They were identification so to speak. Their rank in the tribe, their level of fighting skills, whether they were single or married and so on. And some told stories of their history. It was in effect their way of writing. |
Maori Tattoo
This is one of the many Maori tattoos that can be seen today. I love the rich brown tones and the smooth flowing lines that cover this guy’s entire chest and arms. I can’t tell but it probably flows around his back also. And this is representative of the more modern style as opposed to the tradition tribal designs. What’s the difference? Older Maori tattoos were more block like and some were even squared off or had a square feel to them. And it was often adorned with various animal forms.
In the modern times, Maori tattoo designs are famous for its spiral, shapes and curvilinear designs. It is where the tribal design came about. And most people prefer the tribal designs nowadays. It doesn’t have the colorful artwork but rather it has this eccentric art form and style that really attracts the eye. If Maori people tattoo their face with these designs, in our present time it is put in any part of the body. With their original and creative designs more people are getting into this kind tattoo designs. Since knowing what this Maori tattoo design is and what really it symbolizes more people will prefer this design because of the symbol that reflects with it. |
Maori Tattoo
The design in this picture is a perfect example of a Maori Tattoo. If you have been interested in where this tribal tattoo design came from then read on and I’ll give you a quick overview of the history. According to archaeological evidence, Maori tattoos came to New Zealand from Eastern Polynesian culture. The bone chisels used for tattooing can be found in archaeological sites of various ages in New Zealand, as well as in some early Eastern Polynesian sites. Although the Maori practiced tattooing, there is no evidence that the Moriori people did.
In New Zealand, It is in the early sites that the widest chisel blades are found, and this lends evidence to the theory that there was possibly a preference towards rectilinear tattoo patterns in earlier times. The head was considered the most sacred part of the body, and because tattooing caused blood to run the tattoo craftsmen, or "tohunga-ta-oko", were very tapu persons. All high-ranking Maori were tattooed, and those who went without tattoos were seen as persons of no social status. Tattooing commenced at puberty, accompanied by many rites and rituals. In addition to making a warrior attractive to women, the tattoo practice marked both rites of passage and important events in a person’s life. |
