How is Ta moko important to Maori culture?
Ta moko is important to Maori culture because it shows their status in a tribe. A ta moko tattoo shows whether or not you're married, your rank, your birth status and your job, it is your identity. Having a tattoo is important because you're not regarded as an important person if you don't have one. It is also a part of Maori culture and not having a tattoo could be a sign of disrespect towards your own culture.
Why is there a resurgence of Ta moko?
There is a resurgence of ta moko because Maori people are proud of their culture. They like to display who they are and they do so by getting a traditional tattoo. Another reason why it's popular now is that it is a lot quicker and less painful to get a tattoo now. Some people from New Zealand and Maori tribes might get one because they like to show their heritage even if they aren't descendants of a traditional warrior.
How have the aesthetics of Ta moko changed over time?
The aesthetics of Ta moko have changed because as the traditional wide chisels were replaced with thinner, smaller ones, it was found that more detail could be added to tattoos. Ta moko exists because it displays to others, a person's background and tells their story. As the aesthetics of Ta moko have evolved, the tattoos have changed as well to being tattooed on other places of the anatomy. Thus more detail being added into the designs of traditional ta moko tattoos.
