Mau Moko: The World of Maori Tattoo

Taia o moko, hei hoa matenga mou … Take your moko, as a friend forever …

In the traditional Maori world the moko, or facial or body tattoo, was part of everyday life; everyone had some patterning on their skin. Men wore elaborate designs on their faces; women’s were usually less complex but elegant, and both sexes had extensive body work.

After almost dying out in the twentieth century, Maori skin art is now experiencing a powerful revival, with many young urban Maori displayi…