Story: Te rāngai mahi – Māori in the workforce

Tohunga tā moko (tattooist)

Tohunga tā moko (tattooist)

The tohungamoko (tattooist) was one of a number of specialists in Māori society. Because tattooing was generally performed on high-born people, the tohunga tā moko was highly valued.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Reference: 1915/2/49
Oil on canvas by Gottfried Lindauer

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Te rāngai mahi – Māori in the workforce - Traditional Māori workforce', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/25512/tohunga-ta-moko-tattooist (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 11 Mar 2010