Yeah: but it is a hugely important part of Maori identity that has been reclaimed in recent years. A friend of mine had a beautiful pūkauae, or chin tattoo, done recently. It looks stunning.
I read your other comments and realize that now. And I am glad you did this in B&W, but I was fascinated with the design. Is this done when they are young?
I think originally it may have been a “rite of passage” thing, but people have moko done at all ages now. My friend is in her early 60s, but another friend had fairly major inking on his torso in his 30s.
The tattoos are tā moko; a cultural practice of Maori and other East Polynesian cultures. I met the man on a city street and he wanted me to photograph him. He thought I’d be interested because of the moko, but I thought he had such interesting eyes. That’s part of the reason I posted a b&w edit of the shot — so the moko didn’t draw attention from his expression.
Ta moko, or tattooing is an important part of Maori culture — indeed many East Polynesian cultures. The motifs are a visual language that tell the owner’s story
Wow, there’s a lot going on there. Made me want to break into a haka…if I knew one. Maybe just stick out my tongue and try to look intimidating? 🙂 If I met this man, I’d feel as if I wanted to stare at his face to take it all in but I wouldn’t because I’d feel rude.
Zimmerbitch 
Oh wow. That’s quite a commitment to body art.
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amazing
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Cool portrait.
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Thank you
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I have ink, but this is waaaaay more than I would ever want. This had to hurt.
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Yeah: but it is a hugely important part of Maori identity that has been reclaimed in recent years. A friend of mine had a beautiful pūkauae, or chin tattoo, done recently. It looks stunning.
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I read your other comments and realize that now. And I am glad you did this in B&W, but I was fascinated with the design. Is this done when they are young?
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I think originally it may have been a “rite of passage” thing, but people have moko done at all ages now. My friend is in her early 60s, but another friend had fairly major inking on his torso in his 30s.
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Wow! This is an impressive portrait, Su!
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Thank you Peter
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What is the story behind this man and his bold tattoos, Su?
Deb
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The tattoos are tā moko; a cultural practice of Maori and other East Polynesian cultures. I met the man on a city street and he wanted me to photograph him. He thought I’d be interested because of the moko, but I thought he had such interesting eyes. That’s part of the reason I posted a b&w edit of the shot — so the moko didn’t draw attention from his expression.
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True, his eyes drew me into the photograph first; then the ink. Lovely capture!
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I remember the man in the film, The Piano, had tattoos on his face. I think it must have been part of the native culture?
Leslie
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Ta moko, or tattooing is an important part of Maori culture — indeed many East Polynesian cultures. The motifs are a visual language that tell the owner’s story
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I kind of thought that was the case Su. Good to know.
Leslie
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That’s a wonderful portrait — a Maori of a lot of character, and a museum quality photograph! Thanks for sharing it here!
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Thank you so much
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Wow, there’s a lot going on there. Made me want to break into a haka…if I knew one. Maybe just stick out my tongue and try to look intimidating? 🙂 If I met this man, I’d feel as if I wanted to stare at his face to take it all in but I wouldn’t because I’d feel rude.
janet
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Meant to add that it’s a fantastic photo/portrait.
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Thanks Janet
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He is a fascinating character. He thought I’d want to photograph his moko (tattoos), but it was his eyes that really caught my attention.
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They are very intense.
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Serenity is what I thought when I saw him.
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He was an interesting character; but definitely had a calm about him
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Stunning portrait Su.
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Thanks so much Wendy 🙂
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