Mau Moko: The World of Maori Tattoo

by Ngahuia Te Awekotuku

Awekotuku and Nikora (both are researchers in Maori culture, U. of Waikato, New Zealand) present a photographic, anthropological, and anecdotal survey of the origins and current revival of Maori tribal tattoos on the face and body, or moko. Among photos of tattoo-wearers are primary sources including 19th-century sketches, Maori folklore and poetry, and personal accounts from contemporary urban Maori who sport the traditional skin art. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Genres: Nonfiction, Cultural

259 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2011

About the author

Ngahuia Te Awekotuku MNZM (1949– ) is a New Zealand academic specialising in Māori cultural issues and a lesbian activist. She is descended from Te Arawa, Tūhoe and Waikato iwi.

As a student Te Awekotuku was a member of Ngā Tamatoa a the University of Auckland, her MA thesis was on Janet Frame and her PhD on the effects of tourism on the Te Arawa people. She has been curator of ethnology at the Waikato Museum; lecturer in art history at Auckland University, and professor ofMaori studies at Victoria University of Wellington. She is currently 'Professor of Research and Development' at Waikato University.

In 1972, Te Awekotuku was denied a visitors permit to the USA on the grounds that she was a homosexual. Publicity around the incident was a catalyst in the formation of Gay Liberation groups in New Zealand. This may have been related to a TV interview she gave in 1971, in which she described herself as a 'sapphic woman'.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

People say, 'Tā moko touched me', and 'I trust that my ghosts - my special guardians - will help me here.' It is about sensing things in a different way, for when you do moko, you are hitting more than the skin. It's surrender, of the physical being to the forces of the emotional, the mental, the spiritual, and it happens three times over.

Here is a subject I knew nothing about: moko, or Māori tattoos.

Mau Moko delves deep into the history of this cultural practice and the world that surrounded it, lending an academic's sensibility to chiselling techniques and early explorers' reactions to (and engagement with) moko. The book contains a wealth of gorgeous photographs, such as this portrait photograph of Pātara te Tuhi taken in 1914:



Different practices waned or changed over time, and Ngahuia Te Awekotuku approaches moko from many angles to bring out this richness. The research team did extensive interviews with artists and wearers, whose personal journeys bring this fascinating document to life. Why do people wear moko? How has the art form survived, or been revived? Who can wear moko? The book covers a vast array of topics: the revival of moko through prison tattoos, the cultural responsibility invested in wearers of moko, the involvement of the extended family in the process, methods of pain management, debate around whether Pākehā (white people) can wear moko, and the list goes on.

I just wanted to promote what it is to be Māori, instead of what a Māori should be. The way I do that is more than being drug free or anti-drugs... To wear a moko is a true test of character; you get your life right before taking on moko. For example our people are a 'warrior nation', so if you have or contemplate receiving tā moko the 'warrior' part in today's society is about breaking out of the mental slavery. It's about challenging ourselves individually to 'kia tike te huarahi'. That's the fight that we are up against and it's usually with ourselves. Tā moko is not to be taken lightly.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...moko is like a heraldic language, or system of meaning."

This was excellent. A well researched exploration on the history, process, meaning, and acceptance of Maori tattoos. This is a beautifully constructed book filled with imagery, photographs, and personal stories. I want to share one of those stories that touched me:

"I also wanted to wear the puhoro to recognize the colonization the most of our men have had, in terms of not treating our women properly, but also being part of the healing process for myself because it's quite painful. Generally Māori men are not confident enough to confront the issue about the way we mistreat our women. That's why I wanted to take it on, to go through the pain, but also to recognize the ability women have to give life when they have babies. That's the closest I can go through it for the pain, ten hours of pain, to do with myself in terms of recognizing how you give birth. It was also part of my own fixing up, within my inner self. I'm one of those too that have been colonized by society in terms of devaluing women. I wanted to see this as a way to come to terms within myself, being empowered by my own tribal knowledge, our history, and my own responsibilities. Like having a balanced view, both respecting the male and female, in terms of the marae and the roles that we have. There's a huge power imbalance for us as men, and how we've mistreated women. Because it was very painful, getting puhoro was one way to honor our women, and recognize the things that we've done wrong in the past."

What a ray of hope in these dark times! Inspirational. New Zealand continues to give me country envy.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fascinating read about Maori tattooing, culture, the history behind both and the determination to keep both alive in today's world. I highly recommend!

[Mikaera Topia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

[Melchior Akihary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're going to buy only one book which has to do with the subject of tamoko, make sure this is the one. It covers all bases: history, techniques, cultural and sociological impact, etcetera, etcetera. Highly recommended!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really insightful introduction to Maori tattooing, culture, and other artistic processes. I will be buying a copy as soon as I can afford to