Story: Tā moko – Māori tattooing

Uhi tā moko (tattooing instruments) (2nd of 2)

Uhi tā moko (tattooing instruments)

This purpose-designed 19th-century leather satchel contains the equipment of a tohunga tā moko (tattooing expert). The satchel's pouches hold 15 metal uhi (chisel blades), 14 bone uhi and a handle with fixed uhi. With this satchel, the tohunga could travel widely to carry out tattooing commissions.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: WE000300

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Rawinia Higgins, 'Tā moko – Māori tattooing - Tā moko technology', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/41238/uhi-ta-moko-tattooing-instruments (accessed 7 June 2023)

Story by Rawinia Higgins, published 5 Sep 2013