Ta Moko - A history on skin
This event celebrated the Māori art of tā moko (skin marking), the customary practice of incising the skin and staining the incisions with ink. The event brought together some of the finest tā moko artists in Aotearoa, who worked on Te Papa’s Marae with the support of kaiawhina (assistants).
This event gave visitors an opportunity not only to observe the practice of tā moko, but also to learn about its whakapapa (genealogy) and the way it expresses both individual and iwi (tribal) identity.
There is a famous saying about the art of tā moko: Taia o moko, hai hoa matenga mou. Only death can deprive you of your moko. It will be your ornament and your companion until your dying day.
View a mihi (welcome) from Derek Lardelli. (2.6 MB)
Six leading tā moko artists express what is at the heart of their work. They also talk about their work as carvers, painters, performers, and more.
A national collective of tā moko artists has developed a strong kaupapa (set of fundamental Māori principles) to protect and strengthen the knowledge and practice of tā moko.
The origins of tā moko lie in the story of Niwareka and her husband Mataora who brought the knowledge of this art form from Rarohenga, the underworld.
Click here for curriculum links, suggested activities, and additional resources for mainstream and te teo Māori (Māori language) schools.