![]() ![]() It is the revolving door to my tupuna and my descendents. It is my rite of passage to the past and to the future. “The moko is my voice it is my visible presence in this time and in this space. In the book Dedicated by Blood: Renaissance of Ta Moko by Patricia Steur and Gordon Toi Hatfield, Tuhipo Maria Rapido Kereopa explains the significant of moko: Once permission is granted, the design is chosen by the tribal tohunga (expert tattooist). Moko is the ultimate symbol of identity, and in order to receive a moko, the wearer must first ask permission from family elders. In colonial times Maori chiefs signed treaties by drawing their moko designs rather than writing their names. Every line, arc, and spiral is used to signify hapu (clan), life achievements, and social standing. Maori tattoos are visual representations of whakapapa (family heritage) and social hierarchy. The Maori approach to tattooing has a lot to teach us about self-identity and the significance of marking our bodies for a lifetime. Living in New Zealand has given me a deep respect for the tradition, and has profoundly changed my perception of tattoos. The resurgence of moko in 21st century New Zealand is an assertion of heritage, keeping Maori culture alive and visible in an increasingly diverse nation. Moko is traditionally worn by both men and women, often on the face and buttocks of men and the lips, chin, and shoulders of women. ![]() In New Zealand, for example, the ancient tattooing practice of the Maori people, called moko, has regained popularity as a powerful symbol of heritage and pride. In light of its meteoric rise back into the mainstream, it’s enlightening to look back to the roots of tattooing, a custom steeped in shamanism and spirituality. We’ve been applying ink to our skin since the beginning of human history (remember Otzi, the 5,300-year-old frozen mummy? Yeah, he had tattoos too 61 to be exact). Never have tattoos been more acceptable in mainstream culture.īut let’s be real-the practice of tattooing isn’t a new fad. And tattoos aren’t just for the hippies and punks among us, either. From feathers and arrows to quotes and coordinates, ink is everywhere. Today nearly one in three Millennials has a tattoo. ![]()
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