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Matene Te Nga, Chief of the Ngati Maru Tribe, New Zealand
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Matene Te Nga, Chief of the Ngati Maru Tribe, New Zealand
Matene Te Nga, Chief of the Ngati Maru Maori Tribe with tattooed face, New Zealand. Date: circa 1900
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Media ID 14407102
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Chief Custom Facial Maori Maoris Outfit Patternation Population Ruler Smock Symbolic Symbols Tattoo Tattooed Tattooing Tattoos Zealand Zealander
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, Matene Te Nga, the revered Chief of the Ngati Maru Maori Tribe in New Zealand, proudly displays the intricate tattoos that mark him as a leader and ruler of his people. Circa 1900, this image captures a significant moment in the history of the Maori people, an indigenous population that has inhabited New Zealand for over 700 years. The Ngati Maru tribe, one of the many iwi (tribes) that make up the Maori people, have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with the land and the natural world. Matene Te Nga's tattoos, or "ta moko," are a testament to this connection. Ta moko are more than just decorative markings; they are a symbolic representation of a person's genealogy, status, and achievements. Each pattern and symbol tells a story, passing down the history and traditions of the tribe from one generation to the next. Matene Te Nga's face is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, which are painstakingly etched into the skin using a chisel-like tool called an "au." The process is known as "tattooing," but it is essential to understand that it is a deeply spiritual and cultural practice for the Maori people. The tattoos are not just a physical transformation but a rite of passage that marks a person's transition into adulthood and their role within the community. In this photograph, Matene Te Nga wears a traditional smock, or "kilt," made from flax fibers. His white hair, which is often worn in a topknot, is a sign of his age and wisdom. The image offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the customs and traditions of the Maori people during a time when their way of life was undergoing significant change. Today, the ta moko continues to be an essential part of Maori identity, and the art form is experiencing a resurgence as a symbol of pride and cultural continuity.
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