Mike Smith
New ZealanderTa Moko, 2002
Not on view
Stoneware and metal
Dimensions18 1/2 × 20 3/4 × 9 in. (47 × 52.7 × 22.9 cm)
Gift of Dr. Robert and Deanna Harris Burger, 2009.75
According to Maori legend Ta Moko began with a love story between a young man, Mataora and the princess of the underworld, Niwareka. Mataora, whose name means face of vitality, and Niwareka were in happy until Mataora beat Niwareka, causing the princess to return to the underworld. Mataora prepared himself for a journey into the underworld to win back the princess. When Mataora reached the underworld he appeared disheveled and distraught. He received the princess’s forgiveness and the art of ta moko from the king. Ta Moko which literally means to strike or tap became a tradition associated with the Maori tribe and a prominent feature of the Maori culture. Ta Moko usually consists of full facial tattoos but is not limited to the face. The tattoos were representative of many aspects of a warrior’s life, including his rank, status of marriage, and history, and eventually became a form of identification. An individual with no tattoos was seen as an individual with no social standing. The tattooing began at puberty, accompanying important events and victories in a warrior’s life. The tradition is still continued today as a way of preserving the Maori culture.
