![]() ![]() My father, a kaumatua, an elder of our iwi, states that: "Tā moko is one of the many attributes of Māori culture. Often, these wearers do not identify as Māori, which raises some questions: what does it mean when these designs no longer reflect a lineage? If the wearer is not Māori, is it still tā moko? In these cases, the tattoos are known as kiri tuhi, which translates to 'skin drawings'. ![]() Nowadays, you often see tattooed Māori designs that do not convey genealogical roots. The carvings in Rauru are similar to tā moko designs. For instance, take Rauru which can be seen in the Museum at the Rothenbaum in Hamburg. Even the interiors of Māori meeting houses are often adorned with paintings, carvings and decorated figures that refer to nature. The pūhoro, on the other hand, refers to a storm and is tattooed onto the buttocks and thighs of men. According to some sources the fern frond, a perfect spiral from which buds unfold into new life, is one model for the koru. The spiral form, koru, is one commonly used design. The designs are curvilinear and contour the body. If the wearer is not Māori, is it still tā moko?Įmbedded in tā moko is a wealth of cultural knowledge that has been accumulated, and is perpetually built upon, over generations, connecting recipients to their genealogy, known as whakapapa. In the Pacific area, it is only Māori who use tattoo in this way. A moko kauae is a facial tattoo located on the jawline, predominantly worn by women. Their purpose for doing so was to mark their love and appreciation for their beloved queen who had passed to the afterlife. In 2006, when Te Ariki Dame Te Atairangikaahu, former Māori Queen, passed away, thirty women from her tribal region chose to adorn themselves with the moko kauae. ![]() Others seek to put their families back in touch with their iwi and their tūpuna (ancestors). Some choose personal milestones, a university degree or a new leadership position in an area that is likely to be of benefit the iwi, the tribe. Although all Māori have the right to wear tā moko, the right connection only happens when the wearer and their family have decided on the purpose, known as "kaupapa", and when you will get it. Many Māori say that you must have a clear purpose before you get your tā moko. ![]()
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