Hi everyone,

Im doing a project upon maories and there tatooes. I have one major question right now and I thougt maybe someone could help me answer that one.

What does the tatooes means to maori people today?

And why do they get tatooes? Does everyone get them?

Thanks so much!

X Ida

This is an extract from one of the hundreds of websites you get when you google "Maori tattoos". This one was a NZ maori history site. I suggest trusting only (but not all) sites that originate from NZ.

[1] Moko patterns and meaning
The Moko is similar to an identity card, or passport. For men, the Moko showed their rank, their status and their ferocity, or virility. The wearer's position of power and authority could be instantly recognized in his Moko. Certain other outward signs, combined with a particular Moko, could instantly define the "identity card" of a person. For example, a chief with Moko and at the same time wearing a dog cloak could be identified as a person of authority, in charge of warriors.

These were undeniable signs of the "identity card". It would be considered a great insult if the person was not recognized as the chief he was, and this could lead to "utu" - vengeance.

The male facial tattoo - Moko - is generally divided into eight sections :

Ngakaipikirau (rank). The center forehead area
Ngunga (position). Around the brows
Uirere (hapu rank). The eyes and nose area
Uma (first or second marriage). The temples
Raurau (signature). The area under the nose
Taiohou (work). The cheek area
Wairua (mana). The chin
Taitoto (birth status). The jaw
Ancestry is indicated on each side of the face. The left side is generally (but not always, depending on the tribe) the father's side, while the right hand side indicates the mother's ancestry. Descent was a foremost requirement before a Moko could be undertaken.

If one side of a person's ancestry was not of rank, that side of the face would have no Moko design. Likewise if, in the centre forehead area there is no Moko design, this means the wearer either has no rank, or has not inherited rank.

kia ora ida
my name is Reece Manu Tawharu i come from NZ but now live in sweden and i am a maori
i hope that i can help ya out .


What does the tatooes means to maori people today?

For me its my identidy who i am where i come from it tell a story about me and my famliy and life .



And why do they get tatooes? Does everyone get them? first part as above and part two no not every one gets them

tatooes in maori are called ta moko there are lots of websites to see in the old days it was alot different if you need to talk my phone no is 0251-20044 sweden Älvdalen

Hey Reece!
It's about time you got your face done bro!