TaMoko is the art of facial decoration and was performed by a tohangu tamoko (tattoo specialists) who were usually men. Ta Moko wastraditionally performed using various chisel-shaped instruments madefrom Albatross bone, shell or metal. These "chisels" were dipped inink, (made of burned wood for facial tattoos) and then struck with amallet. This had to be done with a reasonable amount of force to ensurethat the scarred ridges and grooves would be made - a integral part ofthe moko.
Despite the fact that this caused intense pain and excessivebleeding the Maori men had been taught that it was indignant to flinchor make a sound during the entire process. Judging from the comment by Mana Maori in response to this hub, it seems that the Maori have a high pain threshold as some deny that the tattooing was intensely painful.
There are twodifferent type of moko patterns one where the lines of the pattern arepigmented and the other where the background is pigmented or darkenedand the lines of the pattern in clear skin then contrast with thepigmented skin. This type of tattoo is known as thepuhoro.
I read a slogan somewhere that said "Think before youInk". This is particularly applicable to Maori Tattoo designs and oneshould study the Maori culture before deciding on any particular Maoritattoo.
The original beauty of the Maori tattoos are not always evidentin the newer adapted Maori Tattoo designs. The Maoris chose designsthat best suited the contours of the individual's facial featuressomething that the modern tattoo artist sometimes fails to do.
Many people select a design based purely on the aesthetic value of thedesign disregarding their unique contours of their face. If you wish tohonor and respect the tribal cultures behind these exquisitely designedtattoos then you should at least take the time to research the livesand art behind these tattoos. Once you understand their culture select a design that you can relate toand understand.
No-one should consider getting a Maori facial tattoowithout truly understanding the origin and history of the design.
The real art of the Maori tattoo designs is the actual art of tattooingand only an experienced tattoo artist should be used to ensure that theend result is of the highest quality.
Remember that whatever you allowsomeone to place on your skin will from now on be your face you presentto the world.
Modern Maori Tattoo designs are more commonly placed on the body andnot on the face as was the tradition of the Maori tribes. The arms andlegs are now adorned with the long spiral designs that were originallyplaced near the ear and cheeks.
Many people prefer not to use exactreplicas of the original Maori designs as a sign of respect for the Maori culture. The tendency is to use designs inspired and influenced by the Maori art but instead of using graceful rounded spirals people select to use asquare variation of the spiral and bring clouds, waves, fire or windinto their Maori tattoo designs.
Modern Maori tattoo designs aregenerally more colorful and often include red, blue, orange or yellowif the design lends itself to multi-coloring.
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