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By now I had seen several people with various types
of tattooing but Tu-Manawanui’s seemed to be
different. It was red and black and completely covered
his face.

Aroha explained. “Ta Moko is the ancient art of
engraving with chisel like tools, your personal story.
The result is a personal signature, a moko, a part of
your DNA code revealed. The symbols relate to
genealogy, and some symbols may include current
relationships, personal experiences or achievements and
vision.
“Today the art of ta moko is mainly done with
modern tools that do not engrave the skin, although
there are still some tohunga ta moko, expert moko
engravers who do adhere to the old tradition. Each
design has great significance. You can tell just by

looking at a person what their tribe is, where they come
from and other practical things about them.”
She paused to let me contemplate. Then, Aroha
continued, “Then there is the spiritual aspect of the
design that was very sacred and earned through
experience and wisdom. The moko is not to be taken
lightly and should only be given and worn by an
individual who has evolved a higher level of awareness
and accomplishment. It is very rare to be given a red
moko. It is a gift from the ancients.”

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