Cultural Influence - Maori Body Art
My final face painting was inspired by the Maori culture tattoo designs.
The method of Maori tattoos is
called Ta Moko. The markings that are done within the tribe are done through
the puncturing of skin and then the inserting of dye under the layers exposed.
What separates Maori tattoos from others is the technique involved. They use a
detailed process of chiselling the skin with an uhi. A distinctive marking of Maori tattoos is “the grooved nature,” of
the markings. Additionally the use of spirals and the similarity of the
correspondence of the faces identifies the body art as Maori.
The Maori culture integrates body
modification rituals into its tradition. This acts to symbolise Maori’s
identity as a culture. Maori tattoos are used to communicate the “rites of
passage from childhood to adulthood.” Majority of the native tribes exemplify
gender specific details in their style of body art separating the two sexes.
Maori’s however use their body art to identify social status. In saying that
traditionally women were restricted to marking only on their face, neck and
lips with men’s designs focussing on their thighs, backs, stomachs, calves and
face.
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