Ta Moko : The Art of Maori Tattoo

by David R. Simmons

Ta Moko is an outstanding work of Maori scholarship. The art of Maori tattoo has always been regarded with fascination, and this was one of the first comprehensive books on the subject. The author, formerly ethnologist with the Auckland Museum, provides an examination of Maori moko in all its aspects - its historical develpment, tribal variations, design principles and social significance. In this illustrated study of male and female moko, the author draws on the records, journals and sketches of early European observers in New Zealand - explorers such as Cook, de Surville and du Fresne and later traders and missionaries. He relies, too, on visual sources, including the work of artists such as Earle, Angas, Robley, Lindauer and Goldie, to document the increasing standardisation, and eventual decline and disappearance of male moko in the nineteenth century.

Paperback

First published July 21, 1997

Reviews

[Mickle Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the history and significance of traditional tattooing(moko) in Aotearoa, written in an artistic perspective walks us through the changing styles from early 19th century to later 19th to 20th century. 2 chapters focused on female and male specific moko.

Well illustrated and captioned, David(author) has evidently sought detailed information about each and every illustration to provide context in a artistic and cultural sense which I found important to understand the significance of it.

Great read, would highly recommend taking the time to read it slowly

[Jordan K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides a good record of ta moko, meanings and portraits.

[Makiwahine kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

haha