Origins of Moko

Are you interested in getting started on a traditional Māori tattoo but have always wondered where the practice comes from? 

Mythological origins

Like other Māori rituals, those pertaining to tā moko derive from the mythological world of the atua (gods). The word ‘moko’ is thought by some to refer to Rūaumoko, the unborn child of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. Rūaumoko is commonly associated with earthquakes and volcanic activity and has been translated as ‘the trembling current that scars the earth’.

The story of Mataora and Niwareka

According to legend, Mataora, a rangatira who lived in Te Ao Tūroa (the natural world), married a tūrehu (spirit) named Niwareka, from Rarohenga (the underworld). One day he struck Niwareka across the face in a rage. She fled back to her homeland, as domestic violence was unheard of in Rarohenga. Mataora, overcome by guilt and love, set off to find her.

In Rarohenga he met Niwareka’s father, Uetonga, a rangatira descended from Rūaumoko, and a specialist in tā moko. Mataora was intrigued, for in his world moko was a temporary application of designs on the face. This form of adornment was termed ‘whakairo tuhi’ or ‘hopara makaurangi’, and used soot, blue clay or red ochre. Uetonga wiped his son-in-law's face to show the worthlessness of a temporary tattoo.

Mataora asked if Uetonga would apply moko to his face. The pain of the process was almost unbearable and as a consequence Mataora began to chant to Niwareka.

Niwareka was summoned by her sister, but Mataora, blinded by the swelling caused by the tattoo, was unrecognisable to her. However, she identified the cloak she had woven for her husband, pitied him for his suffering and greeted him with tears.

When his moko healed, Mataora asked Niwareka to return with him to Te Ao Tūroa. He promised Uetonga that he would not harm his daughter again as the moko he was now wearing would not rub off. As a parting gift, Mataora was presented with the knowledge of tā moko.

"Suminagashi" - Tattoos inspired by Traditional Japanese art

The art of paper marbling, or “Suminasashi” which translates to ‘floating ink’, appears to have began in Japan around the 12th century.

Various claims have been made regarding the origins of suminagashi. Some think that may have derived from an early form of ink divination (encromancy). Another theory is that the process may have derived from a form of popular entertainment at the time, in which a freshly painted Sumi painting was immersed into water, and the ink slowly dispersed from the paper and rose to the surface, forming curious designs, but no physical evidence supporting these allegations has ever been identified.

According to legend, Jizemon Hiroba is credited as the inventor of suminagashi. It is said that he felt divinely inspired to make suminagashi paper after he offered spiritual devotions at the Kasuga Shrine in Nara Prefecture. He then wandered the country looking for the best water with which to make his papers. He arrived in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture where he found the water especially conducive to making suminagashi. He settled there, and his family carried on with the tradition to this day. The Hiroba family claims to have made this form of marbled paper since 1151 CE for 55 generations

Our artist James Dean, who primarily specialises in black work tattoos has recently began experimenting with “Suminagashi” inspired tattoos. Incorporating black, light shading and negative space, James has placed these swirling designs on the human form that ebb and flow with the shape of the body. The result is interesting large scale concepts that highlight the human form. 

Checkout some examples of the concepts in the gallery below, and if this is something that interests you definitely get in contact with the shop to book in a consultation 

FLORAL MOTIFS IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TATTOOING - PART 5 CHRYSANTHEMUM

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

In Japan, the chrysanthemum or “kiku” is associated with royalty–namely the emperor, who sits on what the Japanese have titled the Chrysanthemum Throne. It represents perfection and, in some interpretations, deity. It is also known as the “King of Flowers”. The chrysanthemum is also symbolic of happiness or joy, as well as longevity. Dragons can often be seen in Japanese tattooing paired with Kiku.

FLORAL MOTIFS IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TATTOOING - PART 4 PEONY

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

The Peony or “Botan” in japanense culture is the king of flowers. Botan tattoos symbolise wealth, good fortune and prosperity. The peony is a strong symbol of beauty, fragility and transitory nature of existence. Furthermore, they depict that getting great rewards is only possible by taking great risks. Peony were imported to Japan from China for their medicinal qualities, “shishi” or foo dogs are also an import from Chinese culture, so pair well together for his reason. However  there is also a folk tale of a shishi eating the peony and being cured of an illness, which adds to the reasoning behind this traditional pairing. 

FLORAL MOTIFS IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TATTOOING - PART 3 LOTUS FLOWERS

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

The lotus flower represents purity, an exquisite flower emerging from a murky pond. It can also symbolise truth, faith, harmony and a spiritual awakening. They re usually used in tattoos alongside a watery theme, so are ideal with koi, and water based deities.