This week’s picture is of a TATTOOED MAORI FACE using SHARPIES on FOLIA RAINBOW PAPER as the medium.
In this picture, your child explored:
- The history of Ta Moko – the sacred tattoos of the Maori people of New Zealand.
- Symbols and motifs in art
- Repetition, pattern, and symmetry
THE DRAWING:
Tattooed Maori Face
This week’s drawing is of a tattooed Maori face. Ta Moko is the sacred art of tattooing, often characterized by patterns on the face. This ancient tradition was practiced by the Maori peoples of New Zealand.
The Legend
Maori mythology tells the story of a love affair between a young man named Mataora (”Face of Vitality”) and a young underworld princess named Niwareka. One day Mataora beat Niwareka, and she ran away from him, back her father’s realm. Mataora was filled with guilt and heartbreak, and followed after his princess. When he finally arrived, his face paint was messed and dirty after his voyage. Her family taunted and mocked him for his bedraggled appearance. Humbled, Mataora begged Niwareka for forgiveness, which she eventually accepted. Niwareka’s father then offered to teach Mataora the art of tattooing. The lovers eventually returned together to the human world, bringing with them the art of ta moko.
The Art of Ta Moko
Traditionally, the Maori used tattooing as a means of personal identification. Moko – carving –was used to create a genealogy through the patterns on the skin. It was also a history of a person’s achievements, representing tribal status like a resume. It served to remind the bearer of their responsibilities in life.
A chisel, or a sharp bladed tool, was carved from the bird’s bone, and then was used to cut the skin. The chisel was then dipped into dark pigment made from the local Kauri tree or soot made from burnt caterpillars or leaves. This dark pigment was then tapped into the skin. It was a very painful and long process, but was a great honor; those without tattoos were considered to have no social status.
Tattoo Meanings
Moko is similar to an identity card or passport. For men, Moko showed rank, status and ferocity, instantly demonstrating the bearer’s power and authority. Certain outward signs, combined with tattoos, could instantly define someone’s identity. For example, a chief with Moko wearing a dog cloak could be identified as a person in charge of warriors. It would be a great insult if the chief was not appropriately recognized, and this insult could lead to utu - vengeance.
The male facial tattoo is generally divided into eight sections:*
- Ngakaipikirau (rank) – center forehead
- Ngunga (position) – eyebrows
- Uirere (hapu rank) – eye/ nose area
- Uma (first or second marriage) – temples
- Raurau (signature) – under-nose area
- Taiohou (work) – cheeks
- Wairua (mana) – chin
- Taitoto (birth status) – jaw
*Source: Maori Face Tattoo
Ancestry is indicated on each side of the face; typically the father’s side is depicted on the left and the mother’s on the right. Descent was a foremost requirement before a Moko could be undertaken. If one side of a person’s ancestry was not of rank, that side would have no design. Similarly, no tattoo in the forehead center means the wearer has no rank.
THE MEDIUM:
Sharpies on Folia Paper
At KidzArt we use sharpies for almost all our drawings. In this picture, instead of adding color through other mediums once the drawing is completed, we drew the picture (using sharpies) on colored paper.
This rainbow colored paper we used is called Folia Paper. This paper adds an intense punch of color to any project. Often used for origami projects, this paper is lightweight, with a high-gloss surface. These rainbow packs can be purchased in a variety of color variations.
Ask Your Child:
· To describe the unique patterns and symbols on her Maori face mask.
· To talk about the history behind the Maori face tattoos and the Maori people of New Zealand.
· To explain possible meanings for his unique tattoo design.
· To describe unique elements in her drawing, such as borders and other embellishments.
