MAORI
TATTOO
Popular tattoo style from New Zealand.
What we call a "Maori tattoo" is actually a Kirituhi tattoo Kiri therefore means skin, and tuhi art. So when you combine these words, you get art on skin.
A person who is not Maori can have a Maori style design tattooed. This person likes the graphic shapes and lines, without then following tradition and knowing the meaning of all the symbols.
Briefly, we call it a Maori tattoo, but so the correct term is Kirituhi.
MAORI - A BRIEF HISTORY.
Maoris have a rich past full of culture, traditions and myths.
The Maori were the first people to live in New Zealand. Before that, most Maoris lived in Polynesia. According to some sources, Maoris came to New Zealand as early as the early Middle Ages.
Some traditions of the Maori are their dance forms, the myths honoring their ancestors and traditional dress.
Another important tradition is tattoos: to them they are sacred. She So tell all about the social status, authority and prestige of that person. All shapes and lines have meaning.
These tattoos are also a rite of passage: they are applied during puberty, when childhood is over.
Among Maoris, face tattoos are the most important. They are literally scratched into the skin with knives and chisels made from shark teeth or sharp stones.
In men, the entire face is decorated. In women, only the chin and lips.
In 2021, a news anchor in New Zealand created a first: she presented the news with her Maori tattoo on the chin and lips.
Where are these tattoos applied?
In the West, we hardly ever choose tattoos on the face. Persons who want a Maori style tattoo mainly choose (half) sleeves on their arms, legs and chest.
These tattoos are only done and colored with black ink. Fortunately, in the West we use a tattoo machine.
In some tattoos you recognize certain objects or animals, such as a face mask, lion or turtle.
Would you like to receive more info? Contact one of our receptions!
They will get you free advice as soon as possible. They will alsolet you know which artists are best suited for this style.
All advice is without obligation, but of course you can book an appointment if you wish.
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