Key aspects of the art of Māori Tā moko include:

1.    Cultural Significance: Tā moko is deeply rooted in Māori culture and carries immense cultural and spiritual significance. It tells the story of a person’s ancestry, lineage, social status, and life experiences. It serves as a visual representation of Māori identity, whakapapa (genealogy) and connection to / appreciation of indigenous culture.
      2.    Individualized Designs: Each Tā moko design is unique to the individual it adorns. The patterns and motifs used commonly represent a person’s life journey, achievements, and relationships. These designs are created in collaboration with a tohunga Tā moko (master tattoo artist) and the person receiving the tattoo.
      3.    Placement on the Body: Tā moko was traditionally typically applied to the face, buttocks, and thighs. The placement and design vary based on the person’s gender, status, and other cultural factors. Facial moko, in particular, is a powerful symbol of one’s identity. Today Tā moko is applied to all many parts of the body.
      4.    Symbolic Elements: Tā moko designs often incorporate traditional Māori symbols and patterns, such as koru (spirals representing growth and new life), manaia (guardian spirits), and kowhaiwhai (decorative scrollwork). These elements are combined to convey intricate narratives.
      5.    Ritual and Ceremony: Tā moko is not merely a physical process but a spiritual and ceremonial one. The recipient undergoes a series of rituals before and after the tattooing, and the process is increasingly considered as a rite of passage. There has been a massive resurgence of interest in the art form.
      6.    Preservation of Culture: Despite the challenges of colonization and Westernization, Māori communities have worked diligently to preserve and revitalize the practice of Tā moko . Today, many Māori and non-Māori tattoo artists continue to practice and respect this unique art form.

Māori Tā moko tattoos serve as a living connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Māori people and a testament to their enduring traditions and identity. It remains an art form deeply respected and cherished within the Māori community and admired globally for its intricate beauty and cultural significance. Many other indigenous people and non-Māori have received Tā moko and there is strong and growing international interest and demand for this unique indigenous art form.

Tuia ki te rangi (Bind the heavens)
Tuia ki te whenua (Bind the lands)
Tuia ki the moana (Bind the waters)
Tuia ki te ira tangata (Bind the people)

Seminole Tribal Member Tā Moko Opportunity

In support of the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women campaign the unique opportunity exists for a limited number of Tribal Members to obtain a Tā Moko as per the following process:

1. Attend the Tā Moko Presentation at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and watch the videos on the link.
2. Place $100 nonrefundable cash donation to the National Indigenous Resource Center. Note "AIAC" in the Memo / Note box. This donation will go directly towards Missing Murdered Indigenous Women.
3. Sign release form at time of deposit.
4. Sign filming release form if you want to be videoed for documentary.
5. Once the above steps are done, pick a time and date for your session by contacting Iretta Tiger. Text 954-232-8759 (preferred), email maleficent_tiger@mac.com, at the Museum Community Library on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
6. $250 ($125 per hour/ 2 hr Min) paid in cash when Tā Moko is complete.
7. Complete your documentary interview once the Tā Moko is complete if you have signed the filming release and want to participate.
8. Must be a Seminole tribal member and provide tribal ID to participate in Tā Moko
9. Arrive to the Tā Moko workshop venue 30 minutes before your confirmed booking time. Give notice if you’re going to be late. No calls, no shows will be skipped. If you are more than 20 minutes late without notice you will be skipped and not be refunded your donation.
10. If you already received a Tā Moko last year, you will be excluded from an additional Tā Moko opportunity.
11. Size restrictions are size of a hand.
12. Time restrictions are 2 hours.