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Story: Tā moko – Māori tattooing

Puhoro pattern

Image
Puhoro pattern

The early historian and ethnologist Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikāheke drew this puhoro tattoo pattern in about 1850, while working as a cultural adviser to Governor George Grey. The puhoro is tattooed on the thighs. 

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: GNZMMS 89

by Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikaheke

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero 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 – Origins of tā moko, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/41233/puhoro-pattern (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Rawinia Higgins, published 4 April 2013.