Story: Tā moko – Māori tattooing

Puhoro pattern

Puhoro pattern

The early historian and ethnologist Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikāheke drew this puhoro tattoo pattern in about 1850, while working as a cultural adviser to Governor George Grey. The puhoro is tattooed on the thighs. 

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: GNZMMS 89
Artwork by Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikaheke

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Rawinia Higgins, 'Tā moko – Māori tattooing - Origins of tā moko', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/41233/puhoro-pattern (accessed 1 May 2024)

Story by Rawinia Higgins, published 5 Sep 2013