Maori Tattoos

The beauty of Maori tattoos can readily be seen in the characteristically intricate nature of their curved shapes and spirals. The pattern used in a Maori tattoo is made up of curves and spirals. The most common place for a Maori tattoo was the face, possibly due to cool climate of New Zealand. Maori tattoos are among the most distinctive tattoos in the world and have their own identity amongst the Polynesian tattoos.

Maori tattoos are a holy act in New Zealand for the people and most likely arrived from the East Polynesian islands. Beginning usually in adolescence, the Maori would tattoo young members of the tribe as a way to signify important events in their lives. The initial tattoo is done to mark the transition from being a child to being an adult and was completed through a series of rites and rituals. In the Maori culture, tattoo art played an important role. In fact, people without tattoos were considered to be without status or worth.

Maori tattoos are done ritualistically, using music, chanting and fasting. Since the 1990′s, Maori culture and traditions have a revival and the traditional Maori tattoo is almost extinct, Maori tattoos have made a comeback and are popular again, including the old tattoo equipment like scissors.