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Story: Te rāngai mahi – Māori in the workforce

Tohunga tā moko (tattooist)

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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 tohungamoko was highly valued.

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Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki

Reference: 1915/2/49

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, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/25512/tohunga-ta-moko-tattooist (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 4 March 2010.