1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Thinking About Tā Moko In Varuna

Discussion in 'PanOceania' started by AdmiralJCJF, Nov 10, 2020.

  1. AdmiralJCJF

    AdmiralJCJF Heart of the Hyperpower

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
    Messages:
    3,532
    Likes Received:
    4,594
    Now that we have had some time with Varuna I think it's time to come back to this conversation about the cultural significance of Tā Moko to Māori culture, and highlight how what we might do, called Kirituhi, is different from Tā Moko.

    If you want to do some reading in detail I suggest the following:

    https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/ta-moko-maori-tattoos-history
    http://www.zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/maori-tattoo/
    https://teara.govt.nz/en/ta-moko-maori-tattooing

    Let's start by examining the difference between the full facial Moko which is worn by Māori men, and the chin Moko which is worn by Māori women:

    [​IMG]

    This is cartooney, obviously, but serves the point well.

    [​IMG]

    Here is a selection of "chin Moko" for women, real patterns which are used and could be emulated.

    While the following is a good outline for a full facial Moko:

    [​IMG]

    And in terms of the shoulder and arm:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    So, here's the thing.

    These kinds of tatoo designs are culturally significant for Māori, and if you are going to use them then you should do so conscious of that cultural significance and with some respect for it.

    This shouldn't discourage anyone, I don't know of any Māori community who don't welcome respectful engagement with their cultural heritage. I'm sure they would love to see reflections of their heritage projected into the future.

    http://www.tarynberi.com/blog/2015/4/10/the-difference-between-kirituhi-and-moko

    A moko can only be done by a Māori for a Māori. No respected Tā Moko artist (called Tohunga Tā Moko) would do one on a non-Māori, since it is strictly reserved for people with Māori whakapapa (genealogy). Māori-style tattoos, on the other hand, are considered a different art form and are referred to as Kirituhi. These can also be done by non-Māori artists for non-Māori wearers, and many Māori artists are happy to share their art this way in a respectful manner.

    Part of this would be to get a little more understanding of the meaning behind the designs:

    http://www.tuarangi.com/meaning-of-maori-symbols-and-designs/

    ___________________________________________________________________________________

    So this is intended as a conversation starter, rather than a warning or anything else.

    It's an opportunity for people to discuss the appropriate use of cultural material in our future-gaming.

    But, obviously, it's also important to approach the topic of Māori designs on our models (especially "Croc Men" and especially in Varuna).

    There are some pretty good discussions about Maori identity here, if you are interested:

    https://e-tangata.co.nz/identity/so-you-think-youre-maori/

    This one is pretty open and lighthearted:

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/02-03-2018/cheat-sheet-how-to-tell-if-youre-maori/

    While Ta Moko is accepted in the New Zealand military, as I understand it other visible tattoos are not permitted under the current code.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/88210685/Navy-approves-first-full-facial-moko

    Please try to keep things civil this time, I've waited a while before kicking this conversation off again, but I know that @Koni and @psychoticstorm will be keeping an eye on the kind of disgusting behaviour which had it shut down last time.
     
  • About Us

    We are a company founded in 2001 in Cangas (Spain), and devoted to design and manufacture games and figures. Our main product, Infinity the Game, was born with the ambition to satisfy the most demanding audience, offering the best quality.

     

    Why are we here?

     

    Because we are, first and foremost, players.

  • Quick Navigation

    Open the Quick Navigation