MOKO MAORI FACE TATTOO

THE BEGINNINGS OF TATTOOING THE MYTH -The story begins with a princess (of the Underworld) and a young man who were in love. -But the man hit the princess, and she left him to go back to her father. -The man, filled with guilt and heartbreak, followed her. It was a very difficult journey and he faced many trials. -When he finally arrived the princess teased him because of his terrible appearance. -The young man begged the princess to forgive him, which she eventually did. -Before they returned to the human world, the princess’ father taught the young man the art of tattooing.

THE BEGINNINGS OF TATTOOING THE HISTORY -The tattoos of the Maori people of New Zealand are not only decorative, but are very important to their society in many ways. -A person’s tattoo portrays their legal identity. Each tattoo is unique, and is used in a similar to how we may use an ID or passport. -The Maori were illiterate (they could not read or write). They draw the whole facial tattoo when they had to sign any legal documents. -For men, their Moko showed their rank, status and ferocity. The wearer’s position in society could be instantly recognized by their tattoo. -If someone important, like a chief, was not recognized it was considered a great insult and this could lead to “utu” – vengeance.

-For the Maori these tattoos also symbolized rituals related to specific life events. -The Maori men were only allowed to receive their first tattoo upon reaching adolescence. -Only very significant events in a person’s life allowed for additions to be made to their original Moko. -Before receiving a tattoo the person would have to fast (not eat). -The entire Iwi (extended family) would be present for the ceremony, and there would be music and dancing.

-Every member of the community would have at least one facial tattoo, except commoners or slaves (people who had no social status). -The men believed that their tattoos made them both attractive to women, and made them fierce warriors. -Maori women were also tattooed but only on their lips and chin. The chin Moko was always the most popular, and continued to be practiced even into the 1970s. -The Maori people ceased using full facial Moko tattoos by the end of th 1860’s because of changing fashion and acceptance by white New Zealanders. They did continue to tattoo other parts of the body, however. -In the past few decades there has been a revival of tattoos that are heavily influenced by the Maori Moko. However the use of true Moko is not taken lightly because it is considered sacred, and misuse by a non-Maori is seen as a grave offence.

THE PROCESS – TA MOKO HOW IS IT DONE? -It is performed by a tohangu ta moko (tattoo specialist – usually men). -Chisel-shaped instruments made from bone, shell or metal were used to create the tattoo.The chisel, called a Uhi was dipped in ink (made of burnt wood) and then struck with a small hammer. -This had to be done with a reasonable amount of force to ensure that the scarred ridges and grooves were made – an important part of the Moko. -Despite the obvious pain, men were taught that it was indignant to flinch or make a sound during the process.

THE TATTOO – “MOKO” The male facial tattoo - Moko - is generally divided into eight sections : Ngakaipikirau (rank). The center forehead area Ngunga (position). Around the brows Uirere (hapu rank). The eyes and nose area Uma (first or second marriage). The temples Raurau (signature). The area under the nose Taiohou (work). The cheek area Wairua (mana). The chin Taitoto (birth status). The jaw

Ancestry is indicated on each side of the face. The left side is generally (but not always, depending on the tribe) the father's side, while the right hand side indicates the mother's ancestry. Descent was a foremost requirement before a Moko could be undertaken. If one side of a person's ancestry was not of rank, that side of the face would have no Moko design. Likewise if, in the centre forehead area there is no Moko design, this means the wearer either has no rank, or has not inherited rank.

Characteristics of a Moko Use of curvy lines and patterns rather then straight lines. The design never crosses the center of the face. The design is symmetrical in most cases. The tattoo is creates grooved scarring on the skin. Bold lines Repetition of specific designs