Ancient preserved heads give up their secrets as Māori tattoos see resurgence

New Zealand's National Museum Hosts Ancient Māori Tattoo Ceremony as Art Form Sees Resurgence

In the heart of Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, a crowd gathered to witness the painstaking process of traditional Māori tattooing. Eight individuals, including men and women, lay still under the needle as master artists carefully applied intricate designs, thin lines spiraling across their cheeks and chins. The ceremony was a rare public event, held to mark new research into ancient preserved Māori heads.

The resurgence of tā moko – traditional Māori tattoos – is attributed to recent discoveries in ancient heads, which cultural protocol restricts from being shown publicly. These heads are believed to be centuries old and provide valuable insights into the artistry and history of traditional Māori tattooing.

Research into the markings on these ancient heads has revealed that previous generations of tattoo artists possessed a "total understanding" of human form, using the movement of skin and facial muscles to inform their placements. The artists would have established close relationships with those receiving tattoos, demonstrating an extraordinary level of skill and care in their work.

Raniera Warren's experience as a recipient of traditional Māori tattoos is a testament to this expertise. His moko – including designs found on ancestral heads – tells the story of his journey to learn his Māori language later in life, so he can pass it on to his children.

As artists continue to refine their craft, they are adopting more careful and deliberate methods, driven by the desire to preserve traditional techniques for future generations. The event at Te Papa Tongarewa serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of tā moko – not just as a form of art, but also as a means of preserving cultural heritage.

"It was a beautiful experience to be a part of," Warren says. "The tattoos were all designed to bring those [markings] back, so they wouldn't get lost." The resurgence of tā moko is an exciting development in the world of Māori art, and its continued popularity is a testament to the enduring power of traditional techniques and cultural practices.

The growing visibility of tā moko has led to increased interest in mainstream culture, with co-leaders of Te Pāti Māori and former Labour foreign affairs minister Nanaia Mahuta showcasing their tattoos. In 2022, Oriini Kaipara became the first woman with a moko kauae – chin tattoo – to host mainstream prime-time television news.

"We wouldn't see this 20-30 years ago now," says Tamahou Temara, general manager for arts organisation Toi Māori Aotearoa. "You'd have to go back decades to find such an event happening." The event at Te Papa Tongarewa marks a new era in tā moko artistry, with the continued collaboration between contemporary artists and researchers unlocking the secrets of ancient techniques.

As tā moko continues to gain popularity, its significance extends beyond mere aesthetics. It serves as a bridge between past and present, offering insights into the lives and experiences of Māori ancestors. By preserving traditional techniques and cultural practices, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and ensure their stories are told for generations to come.

In New Zealand's national museum, master Māori tattoo artists meticulously recreate ancient designs on the faces of eight individuals. Their work is a testament to the enduring power of tā moko – an art form that not only preserves cultural heritage but also continues to evolve, bringing new meaning and significance to those who wear it.

I'm totally loving this resurgence of traditional Māori tattoos! It's so cool how researchers have discovered ancient heads with preserved markings, and now we're seeing the art form come back in a big way . The level of skill and care that goes into creating these intricate designs is just mind-blowing . And it's amazing to see how this art form is being passed down from one generation to the next . I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of something so rich in history and culture? As for me, I'm all about trying out some new wellness routines, but a traditional Māori tattoo ceremony sounds like an incredible experience . Can we talk more about the benefits of this ancient practice for mental health?

The resurgence of traditional Māori tattoos is a prime example of how cultural preservation can become a major economic driver . The fact that these ancient designs are being adopted by mainstream culture, with politicians like Nanaia Mahuta showcasing their moko on national TV, highlights the growing value placed on indigenous heritage . It's interesting to see how this trend has led to increased interest in preserving traditional techniques and cultural practices – a move that can also be seen as a clever marketing strategy . After all, who wouldn't want to associate themselves with ancient history and cultural significance? The government should definitely take note of this shift in public interest and find ways to support and promote these efforts, rather than just leaving it to private organizations like Toi Māori Aotearoa .

i think its so cool how theres this resurgence of traditional māori tattoos - tā moko! like the research into ancient preserved heads has shown us that previous generations were total masters of their craft . its not just about the pretty designs, but also about preserving cultural heritage and passing it down to future generations .

i love how artists are now adopting more careful methods to preserve traditional techniques, and its awesome to see them collaborating with researchers to unlock the secrets of ancient artistry . its like they're speaking the same language, you know?

and i gotta say, seeing nanaia mahuta and other public figures sporting their moko is a big deal - it shows that tā moko is more than just a cultural practice for māori people, its becoming part of mainstream culture too . and orini kaipara being the first woman with a moko kauae to host news is like, totally inspiring .

its also amazing how this resurgence is bringing new meaning and significance to those who wear their moko - it's not just about looking cool (although, let's be real, they do look ) its about connecting with your ancestors and honoring your heritage .

lol i just no why we need 2 c so much moco on ppl rn its like they r wearing 2 much ink lol anywayz im lovin how tā moko is gettin some major love rn its like the world is finally startin 2 appresheate māori culture n its beauty. cant w8 2 c more of these ancient designs come 2 life

I'm so stoked to see traditional Māori tattoos getting the recognition they deserve ! It's amazing how these intricate designs can tell a story about someone's identity and connection to their ancestors. I mean, can you imagine being able to learn your own language and culture from someone who's had a tattoo that's been passed down through generations? Raniera Warren's experience is just incredible, and it's so cool that he's carrying on his Māori heritage with his children.

The way these artists are taking care to preserve traditional techniques is also really inspiring . It's not just about creating beautiful art; it's about keeping cultural practices alive for future generations. And I love how this event at Te Papa Tongarewa is bringing people together to appreciate the significance of tā moko – not just as a form of art, but as a way to connect with our past and celebrate who we are today !

this event is all about respect and care the traditional Māori tattooing ceremony is a beautiful example of how preserving cultural heritage can be both personal and collective effort. we're seeing master artists refining their craft with deliberate methods, driven by love for their culture and community it's amazing to see the resurgence of tā moko and its impact on people's lives - it's not just about tattoos, but about connection to one's roots and identity

It's crazy how this whole tā moko thing has become like a symbol of national pride in New Zealand . I mean, you've got politicians like Nanaia Mahuta showcasing their tattoos on mainstream TV – that's some bold moves, right? It's like they're trying to say, "Hey, we value our Māori culture and heritage, just like our European roots." But is it just a PR stunt or is there actually substance behind it? I think it's the latter. Seeing artists collaborating with researchers to preserve traditional techniques is a great example of how we can learn from our past while moving forward as a society .

And let's not forget about the economic benefits – all those tourism dollars are rolling in because people want to experience this rich cultural heritage firsthand . But what really gets me is when you see celebrities like Oriini Kaipara hosting TV news with their moko kauae – it's like they're saying, "Hey, I'm not just a news anchor, I'm also a Māori leader." It's all about branding and image control . But hey, if it gets more people interested in learning about tā moko, then I'm all for it .

The thing that really bothers me though is when people try to co-opt indigenous cultural practices as some kind of fashion statement or trend . That's just not cool. Tā moko is a sacred tradition that requires respect and understanding – not some Instagram-worthy accessory . But overall, it's great to see tā moko getting the recognition it deserves, both in New Zealand and around the world .

just watched this amazing video of traditional Māori tattooing ceremony at Te Papa Tongarewa museum in NZ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=... - it was so mesmerizing to watch the artists work their magic on people's faces

and did you know that research into ancient preserved Māori heads has shown that traditional tattoo artists had a "total understanding" of human form? mind blown!

just saw the most epic live tattoo ceremony at Te Papa Tongarewa museum in NZ! these master artists are super precise & dedicated, like, they're literally drawing on people's faces . can't believe ancient Māori heads are being used to revive this art form - so cool! it's awesome that we're learning more about the history behind tā moko and how it was passed down through generations . hope this resurgence inspires new artists to keep pushing boundaries & innovating

I don’t usually comment but I think it’s really cool how this ancient Māori tattoo ceremony is making a comeback . It's like they're breathing new life into an old art form that was thought to be lost forever. And I love how researchers are using ancient heads to learn more about the traditional techniques and history of tā moko – it's so fascinating!

I mean, can you imagine being a part of something like this? Getting a tattoo that's literally hundreds of years old? It's mind-blowing. And I think it's awesome that contemporary artists are working with researchers to keep the tradition alive.

It's also really interesting to see how tā moko is becoming more mainstream and visible, especially in New Zealand . Like, I've heard of people on TV showing off their tattoos – it's not something you'd typically see 20-30 years ago. So yeah, I think this resurgence of tā moko is a pretty cool thing

i wonder how we can truly understand our own identity when our faces are being altered by external forces... like in this ancient tattoo ceremony the process of receiving a tā moko is not just about the physical pain but also the emotional vulnerability that comes with trusting someone to carve their story onto your skin. it's almost like a rite of passage, but one that requires immense courage and trust... what does it mean for us when our bodies are being rewritten by someone else?

I gotta say, this whole Māori tattoo revival thing is kinda fishy . Like, ancient heads with tattoos are being studied and now people are getting them as art? It just seems like a bunch of rich folks trying to cash in on cultural heritage . And what's with all the attention from non-Māori artists? Don't they understand that this isn't about their aesthetic tastes, it's about preserving cultural significance? The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced this whole thing is just a publicity stunt...

omg i just love this tā moko is like so beautiful & meaningful its amazing how the artists are able to recreate these intricate designs using ancient techniques & research lol its like they're tapping into their ancestors past and i'm so inspired by raniera warrens story he's literally bringing his cultural heritage back to life for his kids its such a cool way to preserve traditions

I'm loving how tā moko is getting more visibility & recognition . It's amazing how ancient Māori heads are helping us learn more about their tattoos & culture. I was thinking the same thing when I read about Oriini Kaipara becoming the first woman to host mainstream news with a moko kauae - it's like tā moko is breaking down barriers & getting more widespread .

I also love how Raniera Warren's experience as a recipient of traditional Māori tattoos shows how closely tied the art form is to cultural identity & connection. His story is so inspiring! And I'm glad Tamahou Temara said that we wouldn't see this kind of event happen 20-30 years ago - it just goes to show how far tā moko has come .

But what really got me thinking is how tā moko can serve as a bridge between past & present. It's like, not only are these ancient designs still beautiful today, but they're also giving us a window into the lives of Māori ancestors. That's so powerful .