Today, we’re shedding an exciting light on Polynesian – Maori Custom, practiced in New Zealand.
This subject came about while watching Taboo on National Geographic (yes, a girl’s gotta have random guilty pleasures). In doing more research, I for one think there is absolutely nothing “taboo” about the age old tradition of intricately done, full-facial tatoos (“Ta Moko”), as well as the beliefs that live on today among the Maori people. In fact, from the images below, you’ll notice that Moko Tatoos and textiles have influenced literature, art and fashion in many respects, up to today.
(ALL IMAGES ©. Credits L to R: Profile Vintage “Ba-ka-ka” photo from here; Frontal vintage photo by National Geographic; Sleeping Man illustration by Charles Goldie; Maori Tatoo illustration from here; Kids doing “Hongi” greeting by here; Maori Leggings photo by Anne Sophie Madsen; frontal male maori photo from here; Dread locked female maori photo from here; “Mau Moko” Photo from here; Tatooed Models from PoshGlam; White Feathery Model Photo by Anne Sophie Madsen; Brown Maori Runway dress by Givenchy from Feigned Perfection; Black Maori Dress by Rodarte; White Modern Maori Lace dress & Maori Illustration by Anne Sophie Madsen)
Wedding Tradition Idea – “Hongi“
So, for the bride who’s interested in incorporating Maori custom in her wedding day, here’s a great idea: As an alternative to Jumping the Broom (African American Wedding tradition) or breaking Glass (Jewish Wedding Tradition), you could try the symbolic gesture of gently touching your nose to that of your new husband, in respect of the Hongi tradition.
(Credits: Vintage “Hongi” Photo on left from here; Modern “Hongi” Photo on Right from Kristina’s World)
You know, I’m not going to stop here, right? Maori custom is just too juicy to not follow up with an inspiration board. Stay tuned for later on today.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Fri,
I stumbled upon ur page and its great to see that you are promoting cultural diversity, including the Maori culture. However, reading ur comments about Ta Moko, I thought I’d better informed about Maori culture. Granted many cultures have tattoo traditions, Maori and Pacific tattoos weren’t fashion statements. They were deeply symbolic and spiritual, and were earned through one’s achievements in life. There’s a revival in Ta Moko, but we still associate the practice as a badge of our culture. Take a trip to NZ or get to know some Maori. And google the Style Pacifica competitions for broader inspiration.
I absolutely agree with you Lee. My goal with this feature, along with all other posts on different cultural traditions is to not only pay homage to the history and symbolism behind different practices, but to also offer insights as to how it’s evolved in it’s expression and impact today. The revival, I feel is in how it’s influenced other industries…but yes, the symbolism is still very strong and powerful.
i would like to say thank you forgive a right answer,and i hope that you can help those people to find out what is all about in your website or give some information.
{ 2 trackbacks }