The Maori considered the head to be the most sacred part of the body. People without tattoos were seen as having no social status.
Women did not have as many tattoos as the men, the most common was the chin moko and outlining their lips in dark blue.
With just a glance at a man's face you knew
1. Ngakaipikirau (rank) - in the center forehead area
2. Ngunga (position) - around the brows
3. Uirere (hapu rank) - the eyes and nose area
4. Uma (first or second marriage) - the temples
5. Raurau (signature) - the area under the nose
6. Taiohou (work) - the cheek area
7. Wairua (mana) - the chin
8. Taitoto (birth status) - the jaw
These are the bone chisels that were used to tattoo by the Maori.
Women did not have as many tattoos as the men, the most common was the chin moko and outlining their lips in dark blue.
With just a glance at a man's face you knew
1. Ngakaipikirau (rank) - in the center forehead area
2. Ngunga (position) - around the brows
3. Uirere (hapu rank) - the eyes and nose area
4. Uma (first or second marriage) - the temples
5. Raurau (signature) - the area under the nose
6. Taiohou (work) - the cheek area
7. Wairua (mana) - the chin
8. Taitoto (birth status) - the jaw
These are the bone chisels that were used to tattoo by the Maori.