Ta moko is the traditional permanent facial and body tattooing by Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Traditionally the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) in comparison with tattooing today, puncturing with needles. Carving the skin with uhi left the skin with deep grooves, rather than a smooth surface. The areas on the face have a certain significance. These areas can be summed up as being things such as rank, lines of rank, status, power, position at birth, position in life, etc. Ta Moko was worn by both men and women. It was applied to the face and buttocks of men, and to the chin, lips and shoulders of women.
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