Tā moko - Maori tattoo

Tā moko - Māori ta moko - Maori tattoo

 

Tā moko is a traditional form of tattooing practiced by the Māori people of New Zealand. It involves the permanent and intricate carving of designs into the skin using chisels, rather than using needles and ink like modern tattooing. Tā moko is a deeply cultural practice with significant spiritual and social meaning. Each moko design is unique and holds personal and ancestral significance for the wearer. The placement, patterns, and shapes of the moko convey information about the wearer's lineage, tribe, achievements, and identity. Tā moko is considered a sacred art form and is still practiced today as a way to connect with Māori heritage and identity.