Articles

Maquesan Sleeve

Mana has been doing some awesome tattoos in a Maquetian influenced style, similar to ‘The Rocks’ and just as good, if not better!

New Zealand Tattoo

Tattooing, more particularly the Maori tattooing, was brought to New Zealand from Polynesia by the Maori tribes. Their distinct kind of tattoo known as moko, has become quite popular in recent years. Some artists have incorporated traditional Maori designs and concepts in their own New Zealand tattoo artwork.
The original Maori tattooing was a rite of [...]

Why Should You Get A Tattoo In New Zealand?

New Zealand is home to the Maori peoples, a formerly nomadic ethnic group from Polynesia which migrated to New Zealand centuries ago. The Maori created a unique process of tattooing known as ta moko. They perfected the art, bringing it with them from Polynesia to New Zealand. It has grown in popularity over the last few years, not only among the Maori descendants, but also among other people.

How To Decide If You Should Get A Tattoo

Getting a tattoo isn’t a complicated process, although you think about it well before you rush ahead to get one. Remember, once you get a tattoo it will be permanent, and you might regret having something you don’t really like later on. Here are some tips to help you decide if you should get a tattoo:

How to Find the Best Tattoo Studio in New Zealand

Finding a good tattoo studio in New Zealand, or anywhere else for that matter, requires a bit of effort. It really doesn’t take much, and the rewards for finding a good tattoo shop are well worth a few days of snooping around. Since it is essential that you only get the best tattoos at the best price, follow these suggestions that might help you find your own piece of tattoo heaven

How To Decide On A Tattoo Artwork

Sometimes people find it hard to choose what tattoo they’d like to have. Most of the time, they choose wrongly, much to their regret. They would later try to cover it up or erase it, which is expensive and uncertain. To avoid this from happening, here are some tips that should help you decide…

Tattoo Designs

There are many kinds of tattoo designs in the market today. They cater to many different tastes, and preferences. Making your own custom tattoo design is also possible. The varied choices available is living proof of the popularity of tattoos today. Here is a simple guide to tattoo designs…

Tattoo Art

Tattoo art, its reception, as well as its cultural significance has changed much over the last four or so decades. It has evolved from being a sign of anti-socialism or immorality, to a trendy fashion statement and method of self-expression. The social prejudice of the past has also waned, and tattooing is no longer frowned upon by the majority.

Maori Tattoo

The Maori are an indigenous Polynesian people found in New Zealand. They have a form of body art, known as moko, more commonly known as Maori tattooing. The art form was brought by the Maori from Polynesia. This art is considered highly sacred, and continues to be highly revered.

The History of Maori Tattoo

Tattooing is a form of art that has been practised by various cultures since the prehistoric times. It is done by piercing or lacerating the skin with a sharp object that has been dipped into indelible ink or dye. The dyes have ranged from plant extracts, powdered ores, and even ashes.

Modern Maori Tattoo

The popularity of the traditional Maori tattooing declined somewhat during the early 19th century, when European settlers arrived. Much of the meaning and significance of Maori tattooing was lost due to colonisation. But a growing revival in the interest of Maori tattoo has created a hybridised form of the ancient art. Many people nowadays, mostly foreigners, have come to admire the beauty and intricacy of the Maori tattoo designs.

Maori Tattoo Design from the story of Te Ora O Maui

Maui was the last born of five boys. When he was born his mother thought he was stillborn so she cut off her topknot, wrapped him in it and threw him out to sea.

He eventually washed up on the shore and was found by a Tohanga who brought Maui up and taught him many things; like how to live off the resources of the land and the transformation into birds.

Maori Tattoo Meaning from the story of Te Timatanga

In the beginning there was Rangi and Papa and they had many children. As the children grew older they needed more room to move.
One day, Tumatauenga decided he wanted to part his parents, this would allow them to have light and also they could move around freely. All of the Gods/brothers tried to part their parents, with the exception of Ruaumoko who was a baby in his mother’s womb together with Tawhirimatea, who opposed the idea.

Maori Tattoo and Meanings from the story of Nga Hau E Wha

This tattoo design is a representation of the four corners of the Earth, Nga Hau E Wha – the four winds.

Maori Tattoo Design from the story of life Pikorua

Some Iwi (tribes) believed it was Tangaroa and Papatuanuku who were together in the beginning. Tama nuite Ra represents warmth, growth and new life, this Maori tattoo design is a representation of life and the journey that it takes.