Ta Moko Quick Facts (taken from Ta Moko: The Ancient Art of Tattooing)

Ta Moko is a form of tatoo by the Maori people, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Ta Moko differs from tatoo in that the design is created with a chisel, leaving grooves in the skin.

Ta Moko Facts #1: Originated with the indigenous aori people of New Zealand.

Ta Moko Facts #2: The skin is “tatooed” with a chisel (not punctured with a needle) thus leaving grooves in the skin.

Ta Moko Facts #3: Ta Moko signified rank, status and also appeal to the opposite sex for the Maori.

Ta Moko Facts #4: Ta Moko is getting popular overseas — British pop star Robbie Williams has one on his upper arm and Calvin Klein has used the face moko in a sunglasses advertising campaign.

Read about the legend of how Ta Moko came originated.