Maori is the name given to the native people of New Zealand. The term in the Maori language means “natural” or “normal”. The Maori are believed to have come from remote Polynesian islands and arrived in New Zealand around the 10th century.
The Europeans who arrived in New Zealand in the 18th century found a warrior people, with a rich culture and some peculiar traditions, such as the practice of cannibalism, for example. After many bloody wars between natives and settlers, in 1840 New Zealand agreed to become a colony of the United Kingdom, signing the Treaty of Waitangi.
Among the typical Maori characteristics, the haka is the name of a traditional dance that became popular around the world thanks to the New Zealand Rugby Team “Allblacks”, who usually performs before each game to intimidate opponents. THE haka it was danced among native Maori warriors to frighten enemies.
Maori Tattoos
Maori culture is known for the art of drawing geometric figures on the body or in sculptures. Geometric designs have meaning spiritual and religious.
Tattoos inspired by Maori designs, called "tribal”, are often chosen by those who wish to be tattooed. For the Maori, the painting made on the male face represented social status, which increased in proportion to the amount of tattoos that covered the face.
There are several different types of Maori tattoos, but they are usually identified by having a series of spirals and curved shapes that end up fitting together.