“Kat” is a Maori who shares her views on Ta Moko imitation. “Pakeha (whites) are distinctly known for not asking, [and] for assuming that how they see the world is [how] others do so also…[They] bastardize our spirituality and culture and claim it as theirs…Non-Maori wearing it as a form of body art are generally considered wannabees, fakes and frauds that show not only a disrespect for our culture, but lie about their own. (How can you respect your own family when you wear the family signature of strangers?) Even if non-Maori do it in a ‘respectful’ fashion (according to what their non-Maori values dictate is respectful), this is still rude. There is not, in other words, any sense of it being ‘okay’ for non-Maori to wear Maori Ta Moko.”

Kirituhi – A Possible Alternative
If you are dead set on getting a tattoo that is fashioned in the style of Ta Moko, consider instead kirituhi. Kirituhi is a form of pattern art that looks like Ta Moko, but deliberately does not make any reference to Maori symbolism. Kirituhi literally means “skin art” and the patterns are designed to meet the demands of non-Maori wishing to have similar tattoos.

He Taonga Whakamiharo (Treasures to be Admired)
There are many forms of splendor in the world that we admire from a distance. It is not necessary to kill an animal and display it in your home to enjoy its beauty. Flowers are best appreciated when left alone, rather than picked and allowed to wither and die in a vase. And the sanctity of Maori culture, along with their Ta Moko, is honored most when respected, not imitated.