What Do Moko Tattoos Mean

Moko tattoos are an important form of body art for Māori people, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Moko tattoos, also known as Ta Moko, were traditionally used to identify a person’s rank and status within the tribe and to express their identity, genealogy, and personal achievements. They are still used today to indicate the wearer’s connection to the Māori culture and to signify important milestones in their lives. While the designs themselves are unique to the wearer, they often incorporate symbols and motifs that are all connected to Māori culture, such as spirals, waves and maioha, a symbol of dignity and strength. Moko tattoos also represent a bond between land and people, as the tattoos connect the wearer to their ancestral and spiritual home.