40 Meaningful Maori Tattoo Designs For Inspiration

When I see a body full of intricate tattoo designs, it keeps me wondering the inspiration behind them, Maori tattoos are one of them. Maori or moko is a tattoo design, originated by the Maori tribe in New Zealand and Australia. Back in the time, a Maori tattoo was used to mark which caste a person belongs to in their tribal community. In the 18th century, getting a Maori tattoo was a painful procedure, the skin was punctured with a needle and carved with a chisel. Such pain, to accent the masculinity and warrior inside the tribe. According to the tribe, each part of the body signifies a social standing and ancient Maori culture. If you’re looking for a tattoo design that is unique and showcases your boldness and ferocity, these are a range of meaningful Maori Tattoo Designs For InspirationFor a good fortune, these tattoos will only be your lucky charm, when are you getting inked? 

Meaningful Maori Tattoo Designs For Inspiration

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Maori tattoos are known for its different infill patterns and designs, you’ll be amazed to know the meaningful Maori tattoo designs for inspiration. Get inspired by this hummingbird and have unique tats on your hand. 

Pakati –  Pakati is a design which was inspired by a dog’s skin cloak. It indicates strength, courage and battle. It is usually carved on forehead, arm and thighs.

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Hikuaua – Hikuana is a pattern named after a region “Taranaki” signifying prosperity. Is doggy your bestfriend? Check these dog lovers. 

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Unaunahi – For health and long life, unaunahi was inspired by the fish scales. These markings on the body are known to be the symbol of life and journey.

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Double or Single Twist – A tattoo design to signify loyalty and sacred bond of partners. The joining of two lovers and their internal love.

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Koru – New Zealand was always known for its amazing ferns. Based on the ferns, the koru means “spiral” representing harmony and transformation.

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Hei Matau – Fishes are found in abundance in Maori, which is why fish hook got extremely popular. Fish hook or Hei Matau is the most popular Maori tattoo design indicating wealth and good personality.

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Maori tattoo is a combination of all these patterns and intricate designs. These tribal people believed that the head is the most sacred part of the body and has to cover with Maori designs. During the war, the tattooed head of the defeated tribe would be taken as a victory sign. Such amazing history calls for some seriously meaningful Maori tattoo designs for inspiration. Each body part has different and significant meaning, before you get your Maori tattoo, know more about it.

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Bicep and Shoulder

Draw attention to your masculine biceps and shoulder with Maori tattoos. It has been popular amongst men and often incorporated with modern patterns. Maori tattoos were once considered brave and deeply spiritual. The design starts from the shoulder to all the way down the hands. Not only men but women also had hei tiki symbol on their body as a symbol of fertility.

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Chest and Arm

Maori tattoos covering the chest and arm looks very bold, the whole chest covered with black ink infilled designs. If you look closely, a bird-like creature called as manaia in inked on arm. Manaia is known for its spiritual powers guiding the spiritual spirit whenever it is supposed to. These days, many rockstar and artist, opt for meaningful Maori tattoo designs for inspiration.

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Back Tattoos For Women

Women are no less than a warrior, a sun Maori tattoo design is perfect for women. Often inked on the back with red and black ink, sun Maori tattoo looks terrific and dynamic. It is believed that sun Maori tattoo signifies richness, nourishment and good health. Many times sun, moon are indicated in aztec Maori designs.

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Half Sleeves

Have a customised yet traditional Maori tattoo designs on your half sleeves. Enata is an ancient Maori symbol which means god, to represent life, death and rebirths. Half sleeves tattoo is a combination of enata, pikorua, koru and double twists.

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Kirituhi Full Body Tattoo

When a Maori tattoo design is inked on the body of a non-Maori person, it is known as kirituhi. Kirituhi tattoo is linked with sharing the belief and values of Maori culture with other people in the world. It can be on any body part to covering entire body part. 

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Moko or Maori tattoo designs are nothing but blueprints of Maori culture on the body. It has inspired so many tattoo artist and modern day with its deep meaningful yet beautiful intricate designs. If you like paying attention to the details, you should get yourself meaningful Maori tattoo designs for inspiration.