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Ta Moko (traditional Maori tattooing, often on the face) is a taonga to Maori
and the purpose and applications are sacred.
Every moko contains ancestral/tribal messages specific to the wearer. These messages
tell the story of the wearer's family and tribal affiliations and their placing
within these social structures. A moko’s message would also contain the wearer’s
‘value’ by way of their genealogy, and/or their knowledge and standing in their
social level. Kirituhi means skin art and describes more general tattooing.
Ta Moko as an artform was in decline during the 20th century however within recent
years it has been revived as an important artform among Maori and is worn as an
expression of cultural pride and integrity.
‘Ta moko today is much more than a fashion statement, a passing fad for Maori.
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’. (Quote
from Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, writer, academic and Professor of Psychology at
Waikato University).
Further Information:
Website: www.maoriart.org
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