The Rennaisance of Maori Tattoo

Okains Bay, Banks Peninsular. 2007 Ajr

Back by Popular Demand

I'm reposting this little piece on Maori Tattoo because in a year of blogging it has had more readers than any other single post I've written. Clearly there is a massive interest - not only nationally but internationally - in Maori tattoo and its history.

There’s been a resurgence of the art of Ta Moko (tattoo) as Maori seek to reclaim their heritage and cultural traditions; and every tattoo is customised to reflect an individual’s own beliefs, ancestry and spirituality. Sharon Henderson of Okains Bay thought long and hard about the sort of tattoo she wanted and she sought out one of our best Ta Moko artists to do it. Te Rangitu Netana, now living in Kerikeri is famous for having custom designed tattoos for British rock star, Robbie Williams. It paid off. This beautiful, delicate, highly personalised work on her arm – which includes reference to her family’s whaling ancestry – won Best Female Ta Moko at the 2008 South Island Tattoo Show.