Maori (Mow Ree) Maori Face Tatoos

New Zealand

*Captain Cook explores New Zealand in the 18th century. *By 1839, there were an estimated 2,000 Europeans living in New Zealand.

Maori Culture Established British law in New Zealand Signed in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between the British Crown and Maori. Established British law in New Zealand Guarantees Maori authority over their land and culture.

Natural pigments- added to the skin to accentuate the patterns. You may be robbed of all that you cherish. But of your moko, you cannot be deprived, except by death. It will be your ornament and your companion until your final day. Netena Whakaari of Waimana, 1921 The moko- created by literally carving the skin with a chisel. Natural pigments- added to the skin to accentuate the patterns. After the arrival of Europeans, gunpowder was widely used as pigment, and imported iron chisels allowed carvers to make more detailed but less traditional moko.

                                                           Ancestral and tribal messages tell of social structures. A Maori rangatira with moko. Albumen carte-de-visite photograph, c 1872-1886 Photographer: Foy Brothers, Thames 105 x 63 mm

Maori, along with other Polynesian peoples, believe that a person's mana, their spiritual power or life force, is displayed through their tattoo. The recent re-emergence of traditional Maori tattoo art is a mark that the Maori people have not lost their ties to their ancient past despite the dominance of European culture and values in New Zealand for the past two centuries. Their mana is again on display for all to see in their moko.

                                   

COMPARE AND CONTRAST

How can you create your own moko based on symbols and traditional maori motifs that represent you?

WI TE MANEWHA. by Gottfried Lindauer

How can you create a personal icon using line? How can you create A half of a face using Maori symbols as Inspiration? a pattern for a border?