Tā Moko

Subscribe to our newsletter

Te Uhi ā Mataora preserves, enhances and develops tā moko as a living art form and upholds the traditions of the past.
 
Toi Māori tā moko committee:
Te Uhi ā Mataora

Te Uhi ā Mataora is a national collective of tā moko artists established in 2000.

Many of these highly skiled artists come from a background in whakairo. They share a depth of understanding of Māori art forms and design.

Te Uhi observes a strong kaupapa for the practice of tā moko. This kaupapa (set of fundamental Māori principles) provides boundaries and guidelines: respect for traditional customs and practice; care for physical, spiritual and emotional well-being; and utmost care for the health and safety of the person receiving moko.

Tā moko belongs within Māori communities and Te Uhi works to strengthen the knowledge of the art in whānau (family), hapū (sub-tribes) and iwi (tribes). But there is also a strong international interest in Māori moko design, through the tattoo industry. Te Uhi continues to address pressing issues concerning the intellectual property of moko and ensure that tā moko is always practised with integrity.

Te Uhi strives to uphold the traditions of the past. We look to the future as the art of tā moko continues to evolve.
​
Te Uhi ā Mataora committee
Chair: Derek Lardelli
Henare Brooking, Joni Brooking, Tommy Clark, Anikaroa Harawira, Rangi Kipa, Daniel McGrath, Riki Manuel, Rose Gould-Lardelli, Kingi Pitiroi, Te Makarini Solomon
​
Tā moko project:
Māori Markings Tā Moko exhibition - Māori Markings Tā Moko, Canberra, Australia

Other Māori art forms:
Carving | Music | Performing Arts | Tā Moko | Tikanga | Visual Arts | Waka | Weaving | Māori Writing