Traditional Maori Symbols - the symbols are referencing their social status within the tribes.The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word Tatau, All high ranking Maori were tattooed and those who were not were seen as persons of no social status. Tattooing commenced at puberty, accompanied by many rituals.
The tattoo practice marked both rites of passage an important events in a persons life.

The full face tattoo was very time consuming, and a good tattoo craftsman would carefully study a persons bone structure before commencing his art. The women were not intensively tattooed as men, their upper lips were outlined in dark blue and the nostrils were very finely incised.
The chin Moko was always most popular, it was a symbol of identity for example like a identity card. It showed the rank and status,the power and authority could instantly be recognized