125 Maori tattoos: 5 patterns

The Maori people have followed the tattooing tradition for centuries. This art form is part of the local culture and is still practiced today.

Who are the Maori?

The cultural identity of modern New Zealand is heavily influenced by the Maori tradition. The Maori people arrived in New Zealand around the 13th century from Polynesia. This people consists of several emigrated tribes and sub-tribes. The differences between these tribes are not very great, and they all use art, dance and storytelling as their means of expression. Their language is their pride: they wear it tattooed on their bodies, and it also plays a very important role in their other pursuits. Few people understand this language, except for the representatives of these indigenous tribes. Apart from intricately patterned tattoos, they are also known for their battle dance known as kappa haka. Maori are primarily warriors, and for centuries

Maori wind-art

The Maori tattoo art is called Ta Moko. The Maori tattooing process does not use needles, but sculpts the skin of the tattooed people with a knife. Maori people wear these markings on the face and other parts of the body. The tattoo is done with a special tool called UHI to distinguish it from tattoos printed with needles.

Ta Moko is a symbol of Maori culture. It represents commitment and pride in belonging to the culture of this people. The men of these tribes put these prints on their faces, buttocks and thighs. Women wear them on their lips and chin.

The tattoo artist is known as Tohunga and is an expert in creating Ta Moko. The Ta Moko ritual is considered sacred in this culture and is known as tapu. Each drawing is unique and represents the inner essence of a person, tattooed on his skin for everyone to see. These tattoos also show genealogical lineage, status, accomplishments, and the tribe that person belongs to. Ta Moko has deep cultural significance, unlike Kiri. It is not necessary to understand the meaning of these pictures.

What is the difference ?

Kiri Tuhi is also an art form based on the Ta Moko Maori tradition. But there is a big difference in identity between the first and the second, as Kiri Tuhi is an art form engraved by an experienced non-Maori tattoo artist and worn by a non-Maori person.

Thus, if the tattoo was not done by Maori or was done on the body of a person who does not belong to Maori, then it is Kiri Tuhi. Kiri Tuhi is a highly regarded art form that aims to share the truth and culture of the Maori with the rest of the world.

What does Ta Moko mean to these people?

The word Moko itself can be translated as "blue print". Therefore, it is the imprint of culture and wakapa. Complex stories surround this tradition and are considered a sacred truth by the Maori people.

Ruamoko is said to have performed the first Maori tattoo / marking in the depths of Mother Earth, known in the culture of this people as the Papatuanka. This movement in depth symbolizes volcanic activity and earthquakes. This activity causes cracks, lines and marks on the skin of the earth.

Apart from this version of the very first Moko, there are various adaptations of this tale. A Maori tattoo must be worn by a person born in the culture of that people, and if it is not done in the traditional way, it will not be a Maori / ta Mu tattoo.

Maori art has inspired many tattoos around the world. After films and cartoons inspired by the Maori culture, many tattoo artists offer them. Your tattoo may look exactly like Moko, but it is important for tattooists to understand that Moko actually makes a cultural and traditional element associated with tattooing.

Non-Maori tattoo artists must pay close attention to detail and study the true culture of the Maori people. Using the correct terminology and images is extremely important when engraving a Maori tattoo. If you are doing a traditional Maori tattoo, then it is better to call it Kiri Tuhi.

To better understand the process and how to use these traditional templates to create your own designs, read on.

Kirituhiva tells your story

The modern definition of Kiri Tuhi refers to bodily creatures created on the body and hands, while Ta Moko refers to marks on the face. Certain fundamental Maori elements have inspired the current design.

Marks that look like lines on the skin on Maori tattoos are known as mana. These lines are symbols of your life, your earthly journey and the time you spend on this planet. The term Manuach literally translates to "heart".

When the manua, the initial marking, is done, we develop the bark: traits that resemble shoots, like textures that form on the skin. Cows, as they are also called, have sprouts of New Zealand fern. Corus represent people who are important to you and therefore can symbolize loved ones, such as your father, father, spouse, or someone you love.

Kiri Tuhi uses details to create the personality of the tattoo and adapt it to the wearer. If you are considering getting one, it is best to know what each mark means and what the scar left on your skin really means to you.

Causes

There are several unique designs in Maori body art. Using them, you can build a complete story.

1. Taratarekae:

It is a subtle pattern made up of two parallel lines on the skin. Add small triangles between these lines and connect them. In the Maori tradition, this motif represents whale teeth.

2. Ahauahamataru

This pattern also consists of parallel lines drawn on the body, but these parallels run in pairs and vertical lines are drawn connecting these double lines. This drawing personifies feat, success in the physical field, in the field of sports. The pattern can also represent a new challenge that the tattooed person will face.

3. Unaunahi

We still find the same double parallel lines. But the interior design is a succession of recumbent shapes that resemble the outlines of very oval leaves. This motif is a fish scale that symbolizes health and abundance of wealth.

4. Hikuaaua

Another drawing is placed between two double parallel lines. This time, the interior is geometrically shaped to represent Taranaki, a region of New Zealand. This pattern strongly resembles the tail of a mackerel, which in the Maori tradition symbolizes prosperity.

5. Packages

As with all other patterns, this one also fits between two parallel double lines. Within these lines is a triangular pattern (commonly referred to as "dog skin"). It represents the gene of the warrior of the Maori people and depicts battles and wars in which the tattooed person took part. It symbolizes the strength and courage of the owner of the tattoo.