Men generally tā moko their entire bodies while women focus on the chin and lips (kauwae) or forehead. Families have been known to use symbols to display their whakapapa (genealogy). It is thus important not to copy someone else's tā moko for the latter reason. Tā moko may also be used to appear more attractive to the opposite sex or to tell one's life story.
Unlike modern tattoos punctured into the skin, tā moko is engraved into the skin for rituals, milestones, rank, status, and rites.
This tradition is similar to that of Pacific Islanders and other parts of Polynesia.
The Māori are the tribal Indians indigenous peoples of New Zealand and one of their traditions is to create Tā Moko (tattoos) onto their faces and bodies using uhi (chisels). For the Cultural Diversity Create Competition, I have created 28 Māori Tā Moko.
