Want to get a unique Maori Tattoo form the team at Zealand but can’t get all the way to Christchurch to do it?? Well we have some excellent news! Zealand Tattoos new Online design service can provide you with an amazing Tattoo via email so that you can have an original Maori Design, made specifically for you with all of your own personal meanings for you to have Tattooed anywhere in the world!!! Check out this awesome design we sent to Mickey who had it done by a talented artist in Amsterdam.

We will be doing this with not only Maori Tattoo, but Japanese, Maori Japanese crossover, New School, Ornamental and any thing else you desire!

We will also have a “Build Your Own Sleeve” area so that you can choose back ground images , foreground images and cut and paste your design together with designs from only the best Tattoo artists around New Zealand and the world created specifically for this part of the site, so you know any combination of designs you choose will have thoughtful cohesive over all look, perfect for Tattooing!!

Sign up to our mailing list and we will keep you posted on our progress!

Tattoo lovers; WATCH THIS SPACE!

An amazing new geometric tattoo style has recently cropped up. Started by Peter Aurisch of Berlin, Germany, the usual front-runner of Post Modern fine arts, now in Body Art as well. Tattoos are certainly working their way up in our perception of What Is Art.

The roses represent his Mum, Dad and my wife. The microphone is his career and the praying hands are a “Shout out to the man upstairs for keeping us safe.” as he puts it.
Nice work by Zane!

The original Maori tattooing was a rite of passage. It used sharpened chisels made from albatross bone, and natural indelible ink. The process was long and painful. The traditional Maori tattoo has become synonymous with New Zealand tattoo. It is unique in appearance because the process calls for carving the skin, leaving it with grooves after healing.

How It Gained Popularity

Most New Zealand Tattoo styles are Maori tattoos, or at least inspired by them. Recent studies show that there is an ever-growing popularity of tattooing among New Zealander females than males. Another study claims that one out of every five adult New Zealander is tattooed.

This goes along with the fact that, while the males of the Maori declined in practicing facial tattoos during the mid-1900′s, the females continued to do so. The growing popularity seems to be focused on the younger generation, but a good number of older individuals also take part in the art-form.

New Zealanders, also called ‘Kiwis’, have such an affinity for tattoos since they see it as expressions of patriotism, as well as personal and cultural identity. Aside from the Maori tattoos, which are usually restricted only to those of Maori descent, Kiwis often choose patriotic designs for tattoos.

The map of New Zealand, striking and random designs and Maori inspired tattoos often make up the bulk of New Zealand tattoo designs. It is meant to show a rebellious attitude, often to conform to New Zealand stereotypes. It also shows affiliations and tastes. It is sometimes done for the sole purpose of social deviance and a display of rebellious attitude.

Another reason for the frequency and popularity of New Zealand tattoo is the ethnic group – Maori – that considers tattooing to be a sacred rite that connects them to their ancestors. The Maori have such close ties to the art of tattooing, which they call ta moko. For a Maori to not have one was seen as a disgrace.

The traditional methods of Maori tattooing have recently experienced a revival especially for those Maoris who seek to preserve their cultural heritage. The Maori have an established group that deals with the issues surrounding their art form, called Te Uhi a Mataora.
Despite its popularity, there seems to be a division between acceptance and disdain for tattoos in New Zealand. Some areas generally don’t mind tattooed individuals, but some are wary and even fearful of them; often associating tattoos with gangs and other criminal activity. Despite the mixed reception, tattooing still proves to be very popular in New Zealand.

Maori-tattoos are a distinct kind of tattoo found only in New Zealand. Their uniqueness, originality, as well as craftsmanship and history all contribute to its wide appeal and interest. For some people, getting these kinds of tattoos are not simply for aesthetic purposes. It is a spiritual journey of self-expression and discovery.
Zealand Tattoo can provide you a wide selection of designs that are not only limited to the Maori and Polynesian inspired tribal arts, but can also extend to other tattoo designs.

New Zealand Tattoo Is Symbolic

Due to the growing popularity of Maori tattoos, especially in its native country, New Zealand now has many tattoo shops which specialize not only in the general art of tattoos, but in the more complicated form of Maori tattoo design. Maori tattoos are not simply symbols tattooed onto skin. They are a kind of coded message that tells the story of the person who has the tattoo.

A typical Maori tattoo design is very complex, so it appeals to a large group of individuals. It is composed of variations of thick and thin lines, spirals and waves, as well as other minute designs interlaced with the general outline. Since it is tribal in nature, it is suited for any area of the body. The intricate appearance of the Maori tattoo also increases its impact. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing a Maori-design tattoo.

New Zealand Tattoo Is Diverse

You can generally get two kinds of Maori tattoos in New Zealand: the traditional one, and the modern adaptation. The traditional process of getting a Maori tattoo done by a tohunga moko, or moko specialist. It uses the original bone chisels and organic inks that the ancient Maori employed for their tattoos. It was a highly painful process which left grooves on the skin, making the end result very unique.

The modern process of Maori tattooing is no different from getting any other tattoo. Electronic tattoo needles are used, as well as modern indelible inks. It won’t hurt as much as the traditional method, but it will not leave grooves and indentations on the skin. There are many artists in New Zealand who will cater to your preferences.

New Zealand Tattoo Is Original

The reason for the popularity of the Maori design tattoo is partly due to its strong originality, as well as its cultural value. The Maori people have strong ties to their body art, since it symbolized a transition from youth to adulthood, as well as strength and beauty.

It is also popular due to the fact that it generally strikes curious and admiring reactions from people who see the tattoos. It also announces one’s identity as well as patriotism, if one is a local or a descendant of locals.

A deeper reason for the popularity of the Maori tattoo, especially among the Maori descendants, is because of the fact that it connects them deeper into their origins while the practice preserves the meaning and value of the tattoos in the present day.

New Zealand Tattoo Is The Best

Being the place of origin of the Maori tattoo, what better place to get it than in New Zealand? Of course, Maori tattoos are not the only tattoos done in New Zealand. Tattoos and body art are generally popular here, and since New Zealanders have been making and perfecting tattoo art for a very long time, you can be assured that it will have the stamp of quality on it.

Zealand Tattoo, not only specialises in Maori tattoos, but Japanese irezumi and other kinds of body art as well. We offer a wide selection of custom and original tattoos and offer quality service to meet your standards.