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| Maori Tattoo |
The internet has given people direct access to images and information they could not find anywhere else, particularly Maori tattoo designs. The endless assortment of styles, such as mixed Polynesian with Samoan and Hawaiian is just the tip of the ice burg.
Tattoo Artists have been quick to take advantage of the opportunity to use these designs on the internet to promote their business through the creation of Maori inspired tattoos.
But as time has progressed there has been an evolution in Maori design as people are looking deeply into the meanings and discover many of the Maori inspired designs seen on the internet have limitations where meaning is concerned.
As more information about Maori tattoo and Ta moko is made available it is having an impact on what people are wanting to include in their design regarding family, love, protection, strength and power to name a few. Many people are coming to the realization that Maori tattoo is not just a decoration with a few abstract lines and circles, but a way of being. It is used to identify a person's status, to identify who they are, to enhance their life or to tell their story.
Ten years ago the key words, Maori arts, Maori design and Maori tattoo hardly featured on Google. As people become aware of this art form websites are now featuring in flash art and articles.
What is a Maori inspired design?
Firstly, I do not have a problem when it comes to non Maori respectfully wearing a Maori tattoo. We all borrow from other cultures and is what enriches our own.
A Maori inspired design looks like a Maori design but genuinely has no specific meaning. If it does it is very generic. Usually created by someone who does not necessarily have in any depth knowledge in Maori arts. I get many people sending pictures of their tattoo wanting to know what the meaning of it is, and I encourage them to go back to the source, their artist. Often, "there is no meaning ' it's a Maori inspired design.
What defines a genuine Maori tattoo or design?
Some say that only Maori people can get a Maori design because it is based on their tribal affiliations, and their culture? As a designer, I do not have designs for Maori and designs for non Maori. I use the exact same process resulting in a fully customized design tailored to meet your needs based on the information that you have provided me with, it may be about your culture, your life story, your family and important aspects in your life. As a Maori artist I specialize in using Maori symbols, elements and motifs. Each design is different and unique because no person is the same.
Tattoo Artists have been quick to take advantage of the opportunity to use these designs on the internet to promote their business through the creation of Maori inspired tattoos.
But as time has progressed there has been an evolution in Maori design as people are looking deeply into the meanings and discover many of the Maori inspired designs seen on the internet have limitations where meaning is concerned.
As more information about Maori tattoo and Ta moko is made available it is having an impact on what people are wanting to include in their design regarding family, love, protection, strength and power to name a few. Many people are coming to the realization that Maori tattoo is not just a decoration with a few abstract lines and circles, but a way of being. It is used to identify a person's status, to identify who they are, to enhance their life or to tell their story.
Ten years ago the key words, Maori arts, Maori design and Maori tattoo hardly featured on Google. As people become aware of this art form websites are now featuring in flash art and articles.
What is a Maori inspired design?
Firstly, I do not have a problem when it comes to non Maori respectfully wearing a Maori tattoo. We all borrow from other cultures and is what enriches our own.
A Maori inspired design looks like a Maori design but genuinely has no specific meaning. If it does it is very generic. Usually created by someone who does not necessarily have in any depth knowledge in Maori arts. I get many people sending pictures of their tattoo wanting to know what the meaning of it is, and I encourage them to go back to the source, their artist. Often, "there is no meaning ' it's a Maori inspired design.
What defines a genuine Maori tattoo or design?
Some say that only Maori people can get a Maori design because it is based on their tribal affiliations, and their culture? As a designer, I do not have designs for Maori and designs for non Maori. I use the exact same process resulting in a fully customized design tailored to meet your needs based on the information that you have provided me with, it may be about your culture, your life story, your family and important aspects in your life. As a Maori artist I specialize in using Maori symbols, elements and motifs. Each design is different and unique because no person is the same.
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