You have probably seen countless clips of a New Zealand MP chanting indigenous verses pretty intensely. The youngest MP of New Zealand made headlines after performing Maori Haka in the parliament. Her chants and actions made us all intrigued. People became more and more interested in Maori culture and the fascination for Maori tattoos skyrocketed.
Aside from all the viral clips and memes, the Maori tattoos are incredibly versatile and enigmatic. The bold strokes of wondrous patterns signify a diverse range of meanings from wisdom and strength to prosperity.
These indigenous people used shark teeth to curve the symbols in their bodies. They burnt wood to ink the whole artwork. But you don’t have to go that far. Now with modern stencils and needles, you can easily get a phenomenal Maori tattoo. So without further ado, let's learn more about their cultural motifs.
Testament To Honor And Heritage: The Sensational Meaning Of Maori Tattoos
Maori tattoos aren't just a mere art form, it's a testament to honor and heritage. These Polynesian people take great pride in their cultures and traditions. They are not afraid to showcase it to the whole world. Illustrating a Maori tattoo can represent just how much your culture means to you.
Maoris also have to go through hurdles in life. They are often underprivileged and the odds are always against them. Their struggles and demands are mostly never heard by the government. These tattoos can be a great way to protest against this discrimination. You can also manifest your desire to overcome the odds.
Another sacred meaning of the Maori tattoos is spirituality. In our hectic life, we often forget who we are. The beautiful Maori tattoos can help you awaken your spiritual being and make you realize your identity. These tattoos are also a great way to connect with the wilderness. An artwork with natural motifs and symbols will help you blend with nature just like the Maoris.
Mesmerizing Maori Tattoo Designs To Express Your Uniqueness!
Monochromatic patterns manifest the most intensely when they are decorated in a rich Maori tattoo. With jarring symbols, these artworks represent the true essence of the Polynesian culture.
From the shark tooth to the tidal waves, each of the motifs represents a profound meaning. These symbols are aligned perfectly so that it doesn't feel too congested. The synchrony of the symbols looks incredible when you feast your eyes on them.
The placement of the tattoo is also important. In Maori culture, the head and face are the most profound. Etching a tattoo in such a place symbolizes wisdom and uniqueness. Illustrating the arm signifies power and primal strength. So choose wisely. Here are some designs to help you choose.
Synchrony Of Symbols: Alluring Maori Tribal Tattoo
The society of the Maori comprises different tribes. Each of them has their own set of beliefs and traditions. Now which one should you ink in your tattoo?
Well, it doesn't matter. Just choose the tribal symbols that seem to resonate with you. Illustrating them will help you connect with your roots and realize who you are.
Swirls To Die For: Stylish Maori Tattoo On Arm
The life of a Maori isn't easy. You may think it's all celebrations and happiness but they need to survive in the wilderness. Maoris have to catch fish to eat.
The tattoo on the arm often features fish hooks and oceanic elements. The artwork is more like a spiritual message to seek guidance. With the symbols, you will find plenty of fish in the sea.
Transformation Beyond Comprehension: Expressive Maori Tattoo On Chin
The face and head of a Maori are highly sacred. So you can imagine just how profound the chin tattoo is. The traditional representation of Maori symbols in the chin showcases a woman's identity.
The aligned patterns represent how you should always listen to your heart. The monochromatic magnificence can be your inspiration to live life to the fullest.
Emblem Of Feminity: Liberating Maori Women Tattoo
Maori women play a lot of important roles in society. They are even given land because of their ability to birth descendants.
These women often hold crucial positions in the military and spiritual roles. So if you feel like you are confined within the chasms of society, the bold strokes of this woman's tattoo can break you free.
Harmony Of Elegance: Charming Traditional Maori Tattoo
The traditional Maori tattoo is full of total motifs that reflect the celebrative and profound culture of the Maori. From trial waves to eagle-like symbols, you will find everything in this design.
What makes this tattoo unique is the usage of different colors. The artwork is not only composed of a thick black shade. Rather it experiments with raw hues for different symbols matching the aesthetic.
Blending With The Heritage: Sensual Maori Tattoo On Sleeve
The dynamics of your sleeve can’t be replicated anywhere else. Ornamenting tidal waves and spirals within the walls of your sleeve can be highly aesthetic. How? Let's explain.
When you put some pressure on your sleeve, the symbols become enlarged. This is a divine phenomenon that will make you look like you are in control of the artwork.
A Primal Representation: Wild Maori Shark Tattoo
There are a lot of shark gods in Maori culture. When the people sail on the ocean to catch fish, they often pray to these gods seeking good fortune from them.
There are even legends that whisper the significance of these beasts. It's known that a shark eaves the entire boat of Maori people from inevitable death. So etching a modern representation of the shark can work as a guide and protector to you.
Maori Tattoo On Leg Alternative Title: Tattoo On Leg
Moko waewae or the leg tattoo can be a great way to express your identity and cultural pride. It's also a statement of your journey. With motifs like shark teeth and swirls, you can express how you have overcome many hurdles to reach where you are right now.
There's a twist in the artwork as well. Rather than a pitch black color, there is a shadow of green in the tattoo that can exemplify the association of nature with the Maori culture.
Feathers Of Ancestry: Connective Maori Tattoo On Forearm
This forearm tattoo is a complete work of art. At a glance, you may feel like it's a bit overwhelming with all the symbols thrown in the mix. But as you look closer, everything starts to make sense.
The central motif of the tattoo which is the feather is surrounded by relevant symbols like hearts, swirls, and straight lines. All of this culminates into a phenomenal masterpiece.
Token Of Longevity: Strong Maori Turtle Tattoo
According to Maori culture, there is a legend that their god, Maui fished an enormous turtle to create earth. That's why turtles hold a lot of significance among the Maori people.
The silhouette of the turtle is imprinted with jarring symbols that represent the bravery and heart of the Maori people. The thick brushstrokes can symbolize notions like longevity and peace.
Immersing With Nature: Daring Maori Warrior Tattoo
There is a common misconception that Maori people are born warriors. But that's not the truth. Warfare and battle were never a key part of Maori culture.
They are mostly peaceful people who love to celebrate their rituals and traditions. But don't get deceived. When they are threatened, Maoris can become the most fierce warriors. The cryptic warrior mask etched in the tattoo reflects this duality of the Maori people.
Bloom Of Wonder: Tantalizing Maori Flower Tattoo
Flowers are a crucial element of Maori culture. The islands are full of these blooming motifs and the Maori love to ornament their bodies with them.
There are hundreds of songs and poems written about the beauty of these elegant components of nature. Equipping a delicate flower amidst the intricate Maori patterns will look quite aesthetic.
Ornamenting The Body Canvas: Grooving Maori Tattoo On Throat
The head of the Maori is one of the sacred places of the body. Etching a tattoo just on the throat holds a great deal of significance.
When you exhibit a tattoo on your throat, it can signify that you are not afraid to reveal your pride and heritage to the world. Your culture is the most important and you will do everything to care for it.
Extinction Of The Beast: Reminiscing Maori Eagle Tattoo
The tale of the Maori eagle is a tragic one. At one point in history, they were one of the largest eagles in existence. It was even believed that the clapping of their wings could create thunder.
But these large creatures soon became extinct because of the arrival of Maori people. Although they do not exist anymore, their existence can still be depicted in this design.
Tribute To The Ancestors: Riveting Ancient Maori Tattoo
The ancient Maori tattoo is the true embodiment of all things related to Maori culture. The artwork takes a large portion of your body featuring a variety of patterns.
From elegant feathers to rugged fish scales, you will find pretty much all the Maori symbols in this design. The sensual patterns hint at rich and profound meanings such as prosperity, abundance, and courage.
FAQ
Amidst the alluring patterns of the Maori tattoo lies the significance of life. It's easy to get lost in its magnificence but don’t worry. We got your back. Check these questions out to clear your doubts.
Q: Can A Non-Maori Get A Maori Tattoo?
Ans: Of course, they can. Maori tattoos or Ta-moko are for everyone to enjoy. They can beautifully manifest your status and individuality. But embrace them with respect and mutual understanding. You don’t want to offend anyone.
Q: Are Maori Tattoos Always Monochromatic?
Ans: Yes, these artworks are most of the time in black color. They sometimes appear slightly blue or greenish depending on the pigments of the color. This dark hue is what sets the tattoo apart.
Conclusion
Showcasing one's identity takes guts. In modern times, we masquerade wearing masks to adapt to society. But hiding our origin and heritage is making us forget who we truly are.
This is why so many of us are unhappy. It's time to realize who we are. With the intricate Maori tattoos, you may finally reveal your true self. Embracing this spirituality by harnessing the power of these artworks may just be the source of happiness for you.