The Maori people are found in New Zealand, but are of Polynesian decent. Compared to the U.S. they have a very distinct and much different picture of beauty. Specifically Moko, which has a lot of meaning in the Maori culture. Tattooing is actually a sign of beauty in the Maori culture. It dates all the way back to ancient times when tattoos were considered a sign of power and status and “the head was considered the most sacred part of the body.”

According to Māori mythology, tattooing commenced with a love affair between a young man by the name of Mataora (which means “Face of Vitality”) and a young princess of the underworld by the name of Niwareka.

One day however, Mataora beat Niwareka, and she left Mataroa, running back to her father’s realm which was named “Uetonga”.

Mataora, filled with guilt and heartbreak followed after his princess Niwareka. After many trials, and after overcoming numerous obstacles, Mataora eventually arrived at the realm of “Uetonga”, but with his face paint messed and dirty after his voyage. Niwareka’s family taunted and mocked Mataora for his bedraggled appearance. In his very humbled state, Mataora begged Niwareka for forgiveness, which she eventually accepted. Niwareka’s father then offered to teach Mataora the art of tattooing, and at the same time Mataora also leant the art of Taniko – the plaiting of cloak borders in many colours.

Mataora and Niwareka thus returned together to the human world, bringing with them the arts of ta moko and taniko.

http://history-nz.org/maori3.html

Originally tattooing of the face was only for men when they were at the age they would go through puberty to attract women. Women during this time were also tattooed just not as extensively as the men were. For women, the tattoo that would be chose had to have meaning, which also contributed to an “individual identity.”The “epitome of beauty” for the Maori women was tattooing their lips the color blue. This contributed to much of their beauty that many men looked for. Tattoos on the mouth, lips or chin are the most popular when trying to attract men.

It is interesting now because the tradition of beauty is slowly dying because it is effecting their lifestyles. Many women who have these tattoos that they consider women are turned away from employment because of the facial tattoos.

“PAS #5 Maori Women in New Zealand.” Sites At Penn State. RD Blog, 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.