Maori and Polynesian Tattoo Pictures

	Maori and Polynesian Tattoo Pictures Maori and Polynesian Tattoo Pictures The Maori are an indigenous Polynesian people found in New Zealand. They have a form of body art, known as moko, more commonly known as Maori tattooing. The art form was brought by the Maori from Polynesia. This art is considered highly sacred, and continues to be highly revered. Since the Maori consider the head to be the most sacred part of the body, the most popular kind of Maori tattoo was the facial tattoo, which was composed of curved shapes and spiral patterns. It often covered the whole of the face, and was a symbol of rank, social status power, and prestige. The Maori tattoo is one of a kind, and no two tattoos are alike. It is highly intricate and detailed, which displays the craftsmanship and artistry of the Maori culture. For the Maori, tattooing was a rite of passage, which meant it was highly ritualized. Maori tattooing would usually begin during adolescence, and would be continually performed to celebrate important events throughout a person's life. The Maori 'tattoo artist' is called the tohunga-ta-moko, which means moko specialist. These tattooists are highly respected, and considered tapu, inviolable and holy. Tohunga-ta-moko are mostly men, but there are also some women who take up the practice. Maori Tattoo Is Complex Maori tattoo did not involve the use of needles. Rather, the Maori used knives and chisels made from shark's teeth, sharpened bone, or sharp stones. The chisel, also called the uhi, is made from albatross bone, although some chisels are said to be made of iron. Knives and chisels were either plain and smooth, or serrated, and these were used interchangeably depending on the intended pattern. The inks that were employed to do a Maori tattoo were made from natural products. Burnt wood was used to create black pigments, while lighter pigments were derived from caterpillars infested with a certain type of fungus, or from burnt Kauri gum mixed with animal fat. The pigment was stored in ornate containers called oko, which became family heirlooms. Oko are often buried when not in use. The black pigment made from burnt wood was reserved for facial tattoos, while those made from the caterpillars or burnt Kauri gum were used for outlines and other less important tattoos. Before beginning, the tohunga-ta-oko would study the person's facial structure to decide on the most appealing design. No two tattoos are alike.	From: nzlocalmarketing Views: 0 0 ratings
	Time: 03:41	More in People & Blogs

from Uploads by nzlocalmarketing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UmeO8KmXnU&feature=youtube_gdata