Ta Moko Artists Unleash Moko at WOMAD Festival
Te Uhi a Mataora report, Tuesday 18 March 2008
Te Uhi a Mataora, a collective of the country’s top Maori ta moko artists honed their precision skills in the art and renaissance of moko (Maori tattoo) at WOMAD in Taranaki from Friday 14 through to Sunday 16 March, finishing at 10.30pm every night during the festival.
Mark Kopua from Uawa, Tologa Bay, Richard Francis from Ngati Pikiao, Te Arawa (based in Rotorua) and Turumakina Duley from Tuhoe (based in Auckland) executed their skills in the implementation and creation of moko at Te Paepae.
Te Paepae was an area of cultural welcome hosted by Taranaki iwi. Taranaki ta moko artist Heemi Sundgren also unleashed his creations on willing participants, including a Brazilian performing artist, wanting moko designs forever etched on their bodies.
Derek Lardelli, Chair of Te Uhi a Mataora and Kapa Haka Leader for Whangara mai Tawhiti – current reigning champions of the prestigious Te Matatini festival of Maori performing arts - oversaw the work of the Te Uhi artists, offering compliments and providing wisdom and advice.
Derek’s kapa haka group, Whangara mai Tawhiti, many of whom are descendants of the revered ancestor Paikea, the Whale Rider, wowed and dazzled audiences and left them spellbound with three major performances at WOMAD.
Te Uhi members Richard Francis and Turumakina Duley also assisted in drawing moko on the performers' faces, saying: ”While we are here, we may as well put our skills to maximum use!”
The moko drawn on the faces of performers looked highly impressive, as well as being very accurate.
Mark, who was busy applying a traditional moko kauwae to one recipient of Taranaki descent said: “I don’t think you could have asked for a better deal than that. Te Uhi is here to promote the kaupapa of moko so why not on the stage in front of thousands of people! At least we know the drawn-on moko would be accurate.”
Te Uhi revelled in participating at WOMAD this year and catered for many people from all different backgrounds who were interested in the kaupapa. This was an awesome event and great exposure for the artform.