Maori Tattoos
Maori Tattoos – Not For The Weak-Hearted
Who are the Maori?
The Maori are a group of Polynesian people living in New Zealand and Cook Islands. Their art has been a popular tattoo design for many years simply because it looks great but most people prefer a tattoo with a meaning so the meanings of some Maori tattoos will be discussed here. Significance varies and depends on body placement and the intricacy of the design.
What do Maori Tattoos Represent?
Maori tattoos are often used to identify cultural heritage. Things like genealogy, history, and even beauty are represented in them. Maori tattoos were used to identify or differentiate between classes and families of the Maori tribe. It also signifies status and familial relations. They are also used to symbolize rites of passage.
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Types of Maori Tattoos
There are generally two types of Maori tattoos which are based on their placement.
- The Maori Facial Tattoo is obviously done in the face. Also called moko – the ancient art of facial marking, it involves using a small chisel and dark inks made from natural sources, most popularly, caterpillars.
- The Maori Body Suit has designs similar to the facial type but it is done in the legs, the ribcage, arms, stomach, back, chest, and shoulders. Designs are mostly worn by men of high rank nut is also worn by women to tell of family histories and past battles.
Things to Consider When Getting a Maori Tattoo
If you are considering getting a Maori tattoo for yourself, there are some things to take into consideration. First, the art of Maori tattooing is extremely painful and many people who get this kind of tattoo who were not part of the tribe and were not prepared by a Maori native are known to have got into a shock because of the severity of the pain.
Maori tattooing are also especially hazardous. The depths of the incisions done are deeper than the American type of tattooing and the chisels and inks used do not undergo a process of sanitation. The chances of infection and scarring are quite high.
There is also the social implication of getting a tattoo designs Maori especially the facial type. These facial tattoos may scare other people off and may hold you from many employment opportunities.
It should also be noted that Maori tattoos are considered a cultural symbol and some of the Maori natives are not okay with Westerners copying their art. Some of them even find it insulting for a non-native to wear their tattoo. It must be considered that as a symbol of their culture, it is very sacred to them and must be respected. However, there are some natives who are more open-minded about it and it is okay with them. Be sure that when you get coached by a native, he is one of the latter.
If you have thoroughly made up your mind to get a Maori tattoo, it would be helpful to work with the native Maori themselves. Make an effort to visit them in New Zealand and heal there under the care of their skilled Maori artists.