Moko & Whakapapa - The Origin Of Maori Tattoos

Maori chief, Teretimana Terurapoutu, head and shoulders portrait. Photograph collected by Charles Appleton Longfellow during his trip to New Zealand in 1891. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Moko

Maori tattoos, also known as "moko," are an integral part of Maori culture and tradition, and have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and their cultural heritage is deeply connected to their land and ancestry. Maori tattoos are a visual representation of this heritage and are an important aspect of Maori identity.

The Maori people have a long history of tattooing that predates the arrival of Europeans in New Zealand. The traditional Maori tattoo, or moko, was created using a chisel-like instrument and was applied to the face, neck, and body. The moko was not just a decorative element but had a significant cultural and spiritual significance.

Maori man with feathers - probably turkey feathers - in hair. 1913. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

In Maori culture, the moko was a symbol of one's genealogy and ancestry, and it was also used to indicate social status and rank. For example, a person with a moko was considered to be a respected member of the community, and the intricate designs of the moko reflected their rank and social standing.

The moko also had spiritual significance and was believed to be a form of communication with the gods. The designs used in the moko were thought to be a way of connecting with the spiritual world and seeking protection and guidance.

Maori women 1900s. Photographer, Arthur James Iles. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Maori tattoos were typically applied to the face, neck, and body, and the design of each moko was unique and reflected the individual's personality, genealogy, and heritage. The moko was an important part of Maori identity, and it was considered a sacred tradition that was passed down from generation to generation.

The process of creating a moko is a long and complex one, and it requires the skills of a highly trained tattoo artist. The artist will typically spend many hours carefully designing the moko and preparing the skin for the tattooing process.

The Maori tattooing process involves tapping the ink into the skin using a chisel-like instrument. The process is painful and can take several hours to complete, but it is considered an important rite of passage for many Maori people.

Illustration of Maori thigh tattoo. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Whakapapa

Whakapapa is a Maori word that refers to genealogy or the genealogical line of descent. It is a fundamental concept in Maori culture and plays a central role in Maori identity, as it provides a connection to the past and a sense of belonging to the present. In Maori culture, whakapapa is seen as a living entity that links the living, the dead, and those yet to be born, and it forms the basis of the Maori worldview.

In Maori tradition, whakapapa is considered sacred, and it is closely guarded and protected by the family and the community. It is an important aspect of Maori identity, and it is used to determine relationships, establish rights and responsibilities, and to establish and maintain cultural and spiritual connections.

tracing of a genital tattoo taken from the body of Rangi-Tea-Pakura, a Maori woman of rank. Drawing by Dr. Shortland. (Source: link).

Whakapapa is closely linked to the moko. The moko is a visual representation of a person's whakapapa, and the intricate designs used in the moko reflect the individual's genealogy and ancestry.

Today, the moko is a symbol of Maori heritage and culture, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and pride for many Maori people. Whether you are a Maori person or not, the moko is a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the Maori people, and it is a symbol of their proud and vibrant culture.