A Glimpse At The Cultural Significance Of Maori Tattoo Designs
Maori tattoo designs are among some of the most elaborate and beautiful in the world. They also have a rich religious and social significance that many people are not aware of. If you are interested in the story behind these permanent works of living art here is what you need to know.
The tattoos, and the people who wear them, originated in New Zealand. It was believed that they arrived in the area before the year 1300 CE. Because they were isolated from outside influences, they developed their own culture, language and spiritual faith, of which tattooing was a part.
Although we refer to the process as tattooing, the proper term for this particular method is ta moko. Finished pieces are referred to as moko. They play a huge part in the spiritual life of the people and it was believed that ta moko was one of two spiritual gifts given to the Maori people by a Lord of the Underworld.
Instead of the needles that are used in modern parlors, traditional ta moko used a range of different chisels. These would be tapped into the skin. When the skin was split open, pigments could be applied. Archaeologists have found chisels that date back many years. Chisels were often made of bone and could be quite wide, something which would leave large wounds behind.
If you have a tattoo applied using modern methods you will have synthetic ink placed under your skin. This gives a wide range of different color options. Traditional designs tend to be very limited in color. This is because they used sooty materials such as burnt caterpillars and burned Kauri gum which limited the range of colors that could be used.
Although many people do not like the idea of having their head or face covered with lines and swirls, this is actually a sign of high status in traditional New Zealand culture. As well, an individual who had the majority of their skin's surface covered with patterns was also considered to have high social standing. This was in part due to the fact that the process was such a long and uncomfortable one.
Many individuals who are not of Maori descent are having these patterns applied. Some do so by traveling to New Zealand but a larger number are having the designs applied using modern methods. This is being met with mixed reactions by some New Zealanders. If you are interested in having these stunning patterns applied to your own body, it can be worthwhile to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable artist who uses clean equipment and who can give you proper aftercare instructions.
The tattoos, and the people who wear them, originated in New Zealand. It was believed that they arrived in the area before the year 1300 CE. Because they were isolated from outside influences, they developed their own culture, language and spiritual faith, of which tattooing was a part.
Although we refer to the process as tattooing, the proper term for this particular method is ta moko. Finished pieces are referred to as moko. They play a huge part in the spiritual life of the people and it was believed that ta moko was one of two spiritual gifts given to the Maori people by a Lord of the Underworld.
Instead of the needles that are used in modern parlors, traditional ta moko used a range of different chisels. These would be tapped into the skin. When the skin was split open, pigments could be applied. Archaeologists have found chisels that date back many years. Chisels were often made of bone and could be quite wide, something which would leave large wounds behind.
If you have a tattoo applied using modern methods you will have synthetic ink placed under your skin. This gives a wide range of different color options. Traditional designs tend to be very limited in color. This is because they used sooty materials such as burnt caterpillars and burned Kauri gum which limited the range of colors that could be used.
Although many people do not like the idea of having their head or face covered with lines and swirls, this is actually a sign of high status in traditional New Zealand culture. As well, an individual who had the majority of their skin's surface covered with patterns was also considered to have high social standing. This was in part due to the fact that the process was such a long and uncomfortable one.
Many individuals who are not of Maori descent are having these patterns applied. Some do so by traveling to New Zealand but a larger number are having the designs applied using modern methods. This is being met with mixed reactions by some New Zealanders. If you are interested in having these stunning patterns applied to your own body, it can be worthwhile to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable artist who uses clean equipment and who can give you proper aftercare instructions.
About the Author:
Tattoo art has not only the purpose of beautifying the person's image, but also has spiritual significance. He linear and flowing designs of the Maori tattoo tell a great deal about the beliefs and culture of the people using it.
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