New Generation of Maori Women Wearing Moko

For Maori women, the moko kauae, or traditional female chin tattoo, is considered a physical manifestation of their true identity. It is believed every Maori woman wears a moko on the inside, close to their heart; when they are ready, the tattoo artist simply brings it out to the surface. Nanaia Mahuta is the first member of parliament in the world to wear a moko kauae.

The 46-year-old made history not only because of her decision to wear her Maori identity on her face in a political arena, but as part of the resurgence in Maori women receiving the traditional ink.

“There were a number of milestones in my life, and it felt right to mark them in a way that is a positive statement about my identity,” Mahuta tells VICE. “Who I am, where I come from, and the contribution I want to continue to make. When I got it done, I felt incredibly calm. I felt like it had always been there.”

Ta moko artist Pip Hartley, 33, is another of a new generation of Maori who are carrying the art form forward. When she was 18 she started travelling to remote regions of the country to learn the ancient art, before opening her Auckland tattoo studio, Karanga Ink, this year.

For weaver Jude Hoani, receiving her moko last year was about defining who she is. “I’ve got one of those faces that can fit in many cultures,” Hoani says, “and for me it was about making a statement about who I am in relation to this country. I’d been thinking about it for the past 20 years.”

The design on her chin is a stylised ruru, or owl. According to Maori tradition, the ruru is the kaitiaki (guardian) of the chin. Her moko also has elements of a carving design particular to her tribe, Ngapuhi.

Since receiving her moko, Hoani says she feels more visible. “A lot of people in my town who had never spoken to me started talking to me. They actually see me, they look at me, they look at my face, they look into my eyes.”

Original article by Michelle Duff, VICE, September 13, 2016.

Photo by Kina Sai.