Maori Tattoo Designs

Maori tattoo designs are some of the most unique tattoo designs due to their abstractness and tribal roots. The Maori tattoo originated from the Maori tribe in New Zealand. It should be noted, however, that the ancestors of the Maori tribe originated in turn from Polynesia and just migrated to New Zealand sometime between 800 and 1300 AD. Part of the culture that they brought to New Zealand were the Maori tattoo designs.

Worn by the Maoris to denote status, courage, and strength, Maori tattoo designs were literally engraved on the body. The process of tattooing during those times was long and painful. Maori tattoo designs consisted of traditional Maori tattoo lines and were carved on a person’s body using a serrated or sharp bone chisel. The tattoo was usually placed on the face, but may also be placed on other parts of the body. For the men, their Maori tattoos were worn on the thigh, face, or buttocks. For the women, their tattoos were worn on the nostrils, chins, or upper lips.

Maori tattoo designs also depicted one’s spirituality, family rank, and tribal ancestry. The Maoris considered the tattooing process a ritual and was accompanied by fasting, music, and chanting.

Today, a Maori tattoo is worn as an expression of fashion, style, and uniqueness. Even with the modern instruments that we now have for engraving tattoos, the process can still be long and painful. It is for this reason that the Maori tattoo is often seen to symbolize the courage in enduring the process and the respect for this courage.

Maori tattoo designs consists of intricate spiral and circular shapes and patterns. To give them a more modern feel, Maori tattoos are now combined with Celtic designs. They are also better placed on the shoulder instead of on the face. They are best when sized medium to large, and you can take the liberty of using any style, color, or shape that you want. However, it may be best not to use designs that incorporate special attributes of the Maori tribe.