Tā Moko
The traditional Māori tattoo of New Zealand, historically applied to the face and body. The curved, flowing patterns encode genealogical information, each person's tā moko is unique to their lineage.
In detail
Tā moko is a living tradition practiced by Māori tattooers. It carries profound cultural significance and is not considered appropriate for non-Māori to wear. The distinction between tā moko (Māori ancestral pattern) and kirituhi (contemporary Māori-inspired designs for non-Māori) is important to understand.
Related styles
See also
Tribal
Tattooing based on indigenous tattoo traditions from Polynesia, Borneo, Celtic cultures, Native American peoples, and others. Each tradition has distinct iconography and cultural context.
Pe'a
The traditional Samoan tattoo for men, covering the torso from the waist to the knees in geometric patterns. One of the most extensive traditional tattoo traditions in the world.
Kakau
Traditional Hawaiian tattooing, using bold geometric patterns applied by traditional hand-tapping methods. One of the Polynesian tattoo traditions, closely related to Samoan and Māori practices.