What does Kirituhi mean?
Kirituhi translates to ‘skin art’ and was a way of allowing non-Maori to wear traditional Maori patterns without the issue of cultural appropriation. Many artists still use the term Kirituhi when tattooing non-Maori recipients.
What do the Maori designs mean?
A Maori twist symbolises the path of life. It is believed to have been based on Maori kete basket weaving. The path of life takes many twists and turns but carries on regardless. In the case of the Single Twist, the design means the path of life and can be called the Maori Eternity Symbol.
Is it disrespectful to get a Māori tattoo if you’re not Māori?
If your heritage is not Maori, do not get a Maori tattoo. It is disrespectful in every way even if its not meant to be.
Can a non Māori get a moko?
Moko is uniquely Māori and it is strictly reserved to be done by Māori, for Māori. If either the recipient or tattooer do not have Māori whakapapa, then the resulting design is a Māori Style tattoo or kirituhi, NOT moko.
Can Pākehā get Kirituhi?
Kirituhi is not restricted to only Māori people, and it is a way for Māori to share our cultural arts with people from around the world in a respectful manner, and for non-Māori artists to enjoy our beautiful art form as well.
What do Kowhaiwhai patterns mean?
Kowhaiwhai are Māori motifs. They are a way to tell a story and each has a meaning. Kowhaiwhai patterns are traditionally painted in whare tipuna (meeting houses), pataka (storehouses), on the prow of a waka (canoe) or on many forms of carving such as boat paddles or water containers.
What is a kirituhi tattoo?
Kirituhi is a ever expanding artform, constantly developing and pushing it’s own boundries. Recent design hybrids with Maori based Kuro and Celtic/Native American inner patterns are being designed within the tattoo.
What is kirituhi and why is it important?
Kirituhi is not restricted to only Māori people, and it is a way for Māori to share our cultural arts with people from around the world in a respectful manner, and for non-Māori artists to enjoy our beautiful art form as well. I happily do kirituhi for my clients around the world and it is a privilege to do such work for them.
Can I copy my Maori tattoo design/kirituhi tattoo?
I am happy if my work inspires you to create your own designs. However, I do believe in individuality and adhere to the belief that each Maori tattoo design / Kirituhi tattoo design is specific to the wearer. To copy directly and reproduce identical designs, not only disrespects me but also the original wearer of the Tattoo.
What is the role of non-Māori tattooers in defining kirituhi and Moko?
It is not the role of non-Māori tattooers to define what is ‘kirituhi’ and what is ‘moko’, these are Māori words and concepts, and it is the role of Māori to define such terms.