Silhouette Maori Man

Ancient Maori tattooing (moko) was an art form that used a chisel (uhi) made of albatross bone to carve or create grooves into the skin. A Tohunga-ta-moko (moko specialist) applied pigment into these grooves which consisted mainly of awheto (vegetable caterpillar) and various charcoals. Each moko design differed from another which usually signalled a persons status and rank.

Heru (hair ornaments) were used by Tane Maori to fasten their long hair into a topknot. Heru also indicated the rank of the wearer and were either made from wood or prized whale bone.