40 Best Maori Tattoo Designs and Meaning of Ta Moko Tattoo
Table Of Content
The tattooing would begin usually during adolescence.The great thing about Maori tattoos is that to this day, no two tattoos are alike. These tattooists are highly respected, and considered tapu which means inviolable or holy. Tohunga ta moko were mostly men, but there are a few women who take up the practice. Maori tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, both for their intricate designs and the symbolism behind them. Maori tattoos are a form of body art originating in New Zealand and the Polynesian Islands, with each design having its own meaning.
Infographic: Small And Chic Maori Tattoo Designs
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This design symbolizes a spiritual guardian that provides for and protects the earth, sky and sea. The Manaia is believed to have supernatural powers, and the ability to guide one’s spirit to the afterlife once death occurs. The manaia is a popular element of Maori tattoos, ornaments, and carvings.
Here we collected some of the best and cool Maori tattoo designs with their meaning as well. Please take a look:
It’s therefore important to do as much research about Maori tattoos as possible prior to getting one. Enlisting the help of a tattoo artist experienced in and knowledgeable about Maori-style tattoos is also an excellent idea. These patterns are used to fill in the black areas of tattoos – they add a further layer of meaning. Most of the patterns are placed between two double parallel lines, and the different in-fill shapes carry different connotations.
Maori Tattoos on Arm
A tattoo on your shoulder looks sensuous and can be flaunted with a cold-shoulder top or off-shoulder dress. This elegant Maori tattoo features a tropical flower with a conical strip of traditional Maori design. The difference between a traditional Maori tattoo and a normal tattoo is that it creates a grooved texture on the skin as opposed to the smooth finish of a normal tattoo. Ta Moko involves scarring the skin to reflect the whakapapa (genealogy) of the tattoo-wearer. There’s still some controversy out there about neck tattoos, and it’s still a topic of conversation that pops up in discussions around tattoo placement suitability.
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The pikorua or twist shows two intertwined pikopiko ferns and represents an eternal bond between two people. The pikorua is a newer design since the pre-European settlement Maori chisels would have been unable to create the complex intertwining of this design. It was most likely introduced when diamond-cutting tools became available post-1800 CE.
Choosing the Right Artist
Maori tattoos usually covered the face, buttocks, and legs of Maori men. Maori women wore tattoos on their chin and lips and occasionally on the back of their neck. Acquiring a Maori tattoo could be a long and painful process that had great ritual significance. Besides being a symbol of culture, the uniqueness of the Maori tattoo is that no two tattoos are the same. If you are getting this performed from an actual Maori tattoo expert, then there is a good chance that no one besides you has the same tattoo is yours.
Small Tiki Tattoo
By respecting the traditions, symbolism, and stories behind these patterns, we ensure that their legacy lives on. Maori tattoo style, with its intricate patterns and deep-rooted symbolism, holds a special place in the realm of body art. Originating from New Zealand and the Polynesian Islands, these tattoos are more than just designs—they are powerful expressions of culture and identity.
The Process
However, the tattoo can have a range of other legitimate meanings, such as your family (physical lives), prosperity, travel, strength, your career path etc. Humans have been marking their skin for thousands of years with the reasoning behind tattoos varying from tribal allegiance and life history to decorative, whimsical or works of art. And most people who study it suggest that it’s too early in terms of the research where tattoos specifically are a form of addiction,” Dr. Swami said over the phone.
A tattoo on the shoulder looks sensuous and can be flaunted with strapless clothing. The intricate details featured in this tattoo are absolutely beautiful. The style tends to be heavier on the shading of the outer line giving emphasis to each design’s partition and making it more of a statement piece. It symbolizes protection, guidance, strength, ferocity as well as adaptability in many cultures. Besides, people undergoing facial work had to abstain from sexual intimacy and avoid all solid foods. Maori people used to eat from a wooden funnel to prevent foodstuffs from contaminating the swollen skin.
Depending on the overall pattern used in the design, each spiral can also represent a family member or loved one. Due to the use of chisels rather than needles, the Maori tattoo method results in grooves in the surface of the skin, where the cuts have healed. Rather than being smooth like after a modern tattoo, therefore, the skin would be textured, as well as dyed, in accordance with the pattern. Naturally, this process was incredibly painful and was therefore often done in stages, allowing the skin to heal in between ‘sessions’. The punctures and cuts to the skin were then dyed with a variety of inks crafted from natural materials.
Those people who have Maori tattoo designs on their bodies are very proud people. Not only are Maori tattoos aesthetically beautiful, but they also carry deep spiritual and cultural meanings that are unique to each design. The koru tattoo is a unique and highly symbolic design that is deeply rooted in Maori culture, one of the indigenous people of New Zealand. The koru itself is a spiral shape that is reminiscent of an unfurling fern frond, and it represents new beginnings, growth, and harmony. The koru is often used in Maori art and tattoo designs to represent the cycle of life and the natural world. Ta moko was an important aspect of Maori culture and was passed down through generations of Maori artists.
Dr. Swami also said that more research needs to be done because there isn't enough evidence to show that addiction is driving people to get tattoos. In today's world, you might wonder how these traditional tattoos fit into the modern scene. More and more people are choosing to embrace their heritage through these tattoos. The Moko is not just surviving in the modern world; it's thriving, evolving while keeping its roots firmly grounded in tradition. While traditionally less extensive than men's, the Moko Kauae, or chin tattoo, is profoundly significant. It’s a mark of beauty, sure, but it’s also a mark of strength and respect.
This small forearm tattoo is for those who enjoy quick and easy tattoo ideas. If you fancy cool and detailed art and you enjoy black ink, show this off knowing that it is a unisex solution. You need to first find a place that offers you the Kirituhi tattoo or a tattoo inspired by Maori art. Once you find a place that offers you the opportunity to get the design you like, you need to visit the tattoo expert. This is a form of consultation, where you present and discuss your ideas with the studio.
Maori people consider their head as the most sacred part of the body, which is why Maori tattoos are etched on the face. These tattoos are composed of curved shapes and spiral-like patterns. Ta moko was always considered a symbol of social status, rank, power, and prestige. Maori tattoos are some of the most unique and beautiful designs in the world. The Maori people have a strong connection to their culture, and their body art reflects this connection.
Maori tattoos have a rich cultural history and are an important aspect of Maori culture. Each tattoo design has its own unique meaning and symbolism, making it a powerful way to connect with one’s cultural heritage and identity. Whether you are Maori or simply inspired by Maori art and traditions, a Maori tattoo can be a beautiful and meaningful tribute to your ancestry and cultural heritage. Creating an authentic Maori tattoo requires the expertise of a skilled tattoo artist who specializes in this style. Collaborating with an artist who understands the cultural nuances and symbolism ensures that the tattoo accurately represents its intended meanings. Choosing the right tattoo artist is crucial for capturing the essence of Maori tattoo patterns.
These Maori tattoo designs can help you symbolize your ethnicity and emotions and will empower you. These intricate designs can signify a range of emotions, and each specific pattern has a story behind it. You can keep your tattooed skin from getting inflamed and infected by following some safety measures.
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