I have chosen Tā Moko as the one Māori concept that I wanted to understand better during the course of the Understanding Te Ao Maori class. I will write and show some things that I have found out about Tā Moko in this blog post, and will talk about my own personal connection with it in the blog post about Kirituhi, the contemporary Tā Moko Art.

The origins of tā moko lie in the ancient story of Niwareka and her husband Mataora. They lived at a time when the art of chsiselling the skin was not known and designs were painted  on the body. One day, mataora mistreated Niwareka who fled to her father’s people in Rarohenga, the underworld. Mataora pursued his wife, wanting to persuade her to return. Seeing his appearance, his wife’s people laughed at him – their faces were marked with permanent incisions.

Ashamed, mataora begged his wife’s forgiveness and asked his father-in-law to teach him the art of tā moko. Niwareka eventually frogave her husband and returnded with him to the world above, taking with her the art of tāniko, a delicate and intricate form of weaving Mataora brought with him the knowledge of moko. In that way knowledge of thes arts entered the world.

This is a video that explains the legend of Mataora and Niwareka in a short film:

 

 

 

The first Europeans to document the art of moko were artist who travelled with Captain Cook in 1769. late European visitors and stellers, such as Christian missionaries, regarded tattooing as savage and vulgar and encouraged Māori to abandon the practice.

By the early twentieth century the art of tā moko had almost disapperead. But towards the end of the century there was a revitalisation of its practice that continues to this day. More Māori are choosing to have moko cared on ther bodies, and pride in this art form is growing.

REF: http:/www.tepapa.govt.nz

 

 

Each moko contains ancestral tribal messages specific to the wearer. These messages tell the story of the wearer’s family and tribal affiliations, and their place in these social structures. A moko’s message also portrays the wearer’s genealogy, knowledge and social standing. Kirituhi means skin art and describes more general tattooing, this will be better explained in the blog post about Kirituhi.

Māori writer / academic Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, who is Professor of Psychology at Waikato University says: “Ta moko today is much more than a fashion statement, a passing fad for Māori. It is about who we are, and whom we come from. It is about where we are going, and how we choose to get there. And it is about for always, forever.”

FAQ: Ta moko – Māori tattoo art

What is a moko?
Moko is a name for Māori tattoo and the culture that surrounds it. It is the skin art form of the Māori.

What is the difference between moko and tattoo?
‘Tattoo’ is the English version of the Tahitian word tatu. Tattoo is the tradition of marking the skin with ink and needles, whereas moko is the practice of scarring and marking the skin to reflect the whakapapa (genealogy) of the Māori wearer. Moko can be seen as a cultural affirmation.

Do moko symbols have a meaning?
All symbols have meaning, usually a tribal link that tells the background and stories of the wearer. Moko is a visual language that connects the wearer to their whakapapa.

Does getting a moko hurt?
Yes. Needles are forced into the skin to insert ink into the puncture, so it’s inevitable that it will hurt, although some people have a higher tolerance for pain than others.

Are moko the same today as before?
Most designs have a traditional base, but there have been many changes to what was traditionally used. New moko traditions are being created to sit alongside the old.

Why is moko applied to the bottom?
Aesthetically, the bottom is a very sensual area to look at. Traditionally, it links the back design to the designs on the backs of the legs. The spirals accentuate the roundness of the buttocks, enhancing the body.

Why do people get facial moko?
A moko on the face is the ultimate statement of one’s identity as a Māori. The head is believed to be the most sacred part of the body. To wear the moko on the face is to bear an undeniable declaration of who you are.

Is it only men that get moko?
Women wear moko on the face too. A woman’s moko is worn on the chin, as well as occasionally appearing on the forehead, upper lip, nostrils, and throat.

Why does facial moko look so scary?
Sometimes facial moko is unfairly seen as intimidating, regardless of the wearer’s intentions, but this can depend on the countenance of the wearer. The lines of a moko accentuate the lines of the face so emphasise the expressions.

What’s the difference between electric needles and hand tools?
Artists sometimes alternate between the two, depending on the requests of the clients. Many opt for the needle as it is faster and more precise. However, some people are choosing hand tools or ihu in order to make the process more in line with traditional ways.

Do only Māori get moko?
Moko is a Māori tradition and the term is usually applied to skin markings that are done by and on Māori. Markings that are not moko but inspired by Māori design are sometimes called kirituhi (writing on skin).

How much does a moko cost?
That is a question for the wearer and the artist. Costs can vary according to the skill and expertise of the artist. The area of the body and skin type of the wearer may also be taken into account, as well as their age, financial position, and relationship to the artist.

What does moko mean today?
If the process is followed properly, moko continues to mean what it has always meant. It is a symbol of integrity, Māori identity and prestige, as well as a reflection of whakapapa and history.

Are there any restrictions on a moko wearer?
This is up to the wearer. Some people opt to make lifestyle changes as part of the process of obtaining a moko, respecting their moko by choosing to do, or not do, certain things.

REF: http://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/ta-moko-significance-of-maori-tattoos/