The Mataora was a full male facial Moko (tattoo), a living cultural art form unique to the Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Steeped in tradition, spirituality, mythology, culture and meaning the initial application process began when the male reached puberty. The Mataora was often referred to as a “Hoa Matenga” or a life companion, for as the male progressed through life, as he grew in nature and deed, achieved goals and aspirations the Mataora would grow with him, with successive additions being added for each achievement. When fully complete, the Mataora formed a complex matrix of connection, holding within its many chiselled lines, symbols and motifs which represented a unified and holistic balance of physical, mental and spiritual achievement and attainment. The application was complex and followed a staged process which represented in essence, a holistic approach towards knowledge acquisition and life achievement, i.e. the balance of Spirit/Mind/Body or in this case, Philosophy/Theory/Practice. This presentation will speak to its deeper spiritual meaning, purpose and importance to Māori men and in doing so illuminate our responsibility and obligation to our Māori women, our children, families and communities. Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua. "Knowledge of our past provides vision for our future, and vision for our future provides purpose in the present

Authors:
Curtis Bristowe, Te Rūnanga nui o Ngāti Porou (Ngāti Porou Tribal Leadership Entity), New Zealand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Curtis Bristowe is currently at Te Rūnanga nui o Ngāti Porou (Ngāti Porou Tribal Leadership Entity) in New Zealand

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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