People’s looks speak to us. Sometimes they whisper and sometimes they shout. The incredibly beautiful, highly intricate swirly shapes of a Maori’s facial tattoo are striking, but have you ever wondered what it all means, why they do it and most importantly, does it hurt?
What is a moko?
First things first; the Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and they have a form of body art known as Tā moko or Māori tattooing. It was brought to New Zealand by the people of Eastern Polynesia in 1769 by the explorer Captain James Cook. In fact, the word tattoo was derived from the native Tahitian word tautau. It’s not just the art of inking, the purpose and applications are sacred and there’s a whole culture that surrounds it.
Does it hurt?
Yes, of course it hurts! This is the practice of repeatedly forcing needles, knives and chisels made from shark teeth, sharpened bone or stones into the skin and inserting ink into the punctures. Uncomfortable is an understatement! The spirit of the art form is the ability withstand pain. Pride, strength and courage are key, so given the sacred nature of the process crying out in pain is a sign of weakness and a big no, no.
Where does a moko go?
The focal point of most Māori tattooing is generally the face as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. A moko on the face is therefore the ultimate expression of cultural pride, integrity and an undeniable declaration of who you are.
The face can be divided into eight distinct sections each relating to a specific subject; the cheek area displays the nature of the person’s work, tattoos on the temples detail marital status and the area under the nose displays a person’s signature. The left side is generally the father’s side and the right side the mother’s.
Another popular spot for a moko is the bottom and thighs!
Do moko symbols have a meaning?
Moko is a visual language. Each moko is unique and contains ancestral tribal messages specific to the wearer; it’s all about identity. These exquisite curved shapes and spiral like patterns tell the story of the wearer’s family, tribal affiliations, power and prestige and no two tattoos are alike.
So it’s not just a tattoo?
Whereas most modern tattooing involves needles and ink, moko is the practice of scarring and marking the skin to reflect the genealogy of the wearer. These are not your everyday inks either, they are highly prized, all natural products with burnt wood used for black pigments and lighter shades sourced from caterpillars infected with a fungus!
These days you could take a stroll down most high streets with £50 and a rough design, offer up a body part and receive an inking. For the Māori though, it’s not so easy. It’s a badge to be earned, a rite of passage and a matter of cultural affirmation.
Firstly they had to abstain from sexual intimacy throughout the entire process and even worse, until their wounds were fully healed, they had to avoid solid foods altogether and they would be fed from a funnel to prevent food contaminating the swollen skin.
Who tattoos who and when?
The Māorit tattoo artist is called the tohunga ta moko or moko specialist. They are a highly respected, expert practitioner and a master of their art. They are a considered almost holy and the whole process is highly revered and ritualised with practice usually beginning during adolescence.
Moko lives on!
Moko in its traditional form declined during the 20th century as most modern Māori tattooists used needle-based machines, though there has been a revival in recent decades and as the Māori people look to preserve their cultural heritage and many Māori now wear Tā moko as a symbol of cultural pride.
If you’re a fan of the artwork and fancy a Māori inspired tattoo of your very own it’s advisable to seek out an experienced artist who can help you incorporate your own themes into a traditional design that is respectful of its heritage. This way you can benefit from this incredibly beautiful ancient design using modern day, pain-free techniques! Well, almost!