Many people look at Maori tattoo designs and think that they are simply beautiful images. In fact, the traditional designs that are added to the skin of Maori tribesmen have deep spiritual meaning. Here is information on the history behind these flowing, linear images.
The tattoos, and the people who wear them, originated in New Zealand. It was believed that they arrived in the area before the year 1300 CE. Because they were isolated from outside influences, they developed their own culture, language and spiritual faith, of which tattooing was a part.
The process of applying the patterns is known as ta moko and the designs themselves are called moko. It was believed that the method of applying patterns to the skin's surface was given to humans from the father of Niwareka, a princess of the Underworld. The process of applying permanent markings on the skin's surface began at puberty and was considered to be a rite of passage and a sign of someone's courage.
The tattoos are traditionally applied to the skin using chisels. This is very different than modern practices which use a gun to apply ink under the skin. The use of a chisel is very painful and it takes much longer for someone's skin to heal when it has been applied using traditional methods. The process began when a person reached puberty and continued throughout their lives.
Modern tattoos use ink but traditional methods of applying patterns used pigments such as burnt Kauri gum or vegetable caterpillars that had been burnt. These created the soot that was used to mark the body's surface. It often took years to have the work completed. This was especially true in the case of patterns that would cover the entire head and face.
It is not unusual to see tattoos applied to the head and face in the Maori culture. The head is the most sacred area and so it was reserved for individuals with a very high social standing. The application of permanent patterns to the skin was extremely attractive to New Zealand women and this was one of the reasons that many warriors had them applied.
Many individuals who are not of Maori descent are having these patterns applied. Some do so by traveling to New Zealand but a larger number are having the designs applied using modern methods. This is being met with mixed reactions by some New Zealanders. If you are interested in having these stunning patterns applied to your own body, it can be worthwhile to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable artist who uses clean equipment and who can give you proper aftercare instructions.
The tattoos, and the people who wear them, originated in New Zealand. It was believed that they arrived in the area before the year 1300 CE. Because they were isolated from outside influences, they developed their own culture, language and spiritual faith, of which tattooing was a part.
The process of applying the patterns is known as ta moko and the designs themselves are called moko. It was believed that the method of applying patterns to the skin's surface was given to humans from the father of Niwareka, a princess of the Underworld. The process of applying permanent markings on the skin's surface began at puberty and was considered to be a rite of passage and a sign of someone's courage.
The tattoos are traditionally applied to the skin using chisels. This is very different than modern practices which use a gun to apply ink under the skin. The use of a chisel is very painful and it takes much longer for someone's skin to heal when it has been applied using traditional methods. The process began when a person reached puberty and continued throughout their lives.
Modern tattoos use ink but traditional methods of applying patterns used pigments such as burnt Kauri gum or vegetable caterpillars that had been burnt. These created the soot that was used to mark the body's surface. It often took years to have the work completed. This was especially true in the case of patterns that would cover the entire head and face.
It is not unusual to see tattoos applied to the head and face in the Maori culture. The head is the most sacred area and so it was reserved for individuals with a very high social standing. The application of permanent patterns to the skin was extremely attractive to New Zealand women and this was one of the reasons that many warriors had them applied.
Many individuals who are not of Maori descent are having these patterns applied. Some do so by traveling to New Zealand but a larger number are having the designs applied using modern methods. This is being met with mixed reactions by some New Zealanders. If you are interested in having these stunning patterns applied to your own body, it can be worthwhile to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable artist who uses clean equipment and who can give you proper aftercare instructions.
About the Author:
Tattoo art has not only the purpose of beautifying the body, but also has religious meaning. He linear designs of the Maori tattoo tell a great deal about the beliefs and culture of the people using it.
No comments:
Post a Comment