Maori Tattoo Photo #227

Maori body art, known as Ta Moko, is one of the oldest and most meaningful forms of permanent marking in the world. Unlike decorative ink chosen from a flash sheet, traditional Moko tells the story of a person's ancestry, social standing, and life achievements through a precise visual language of curves, spirals, and symmetry.

By placing thousands of tiny dots at controlled spacing, dotwork artists achieve smooth gradients and intricate patterns. This labor-intensive method gives tattoos a unique texture that stands apart from traditional line-based work.

A spine tattoo draws attention to the body's natural symmetry, creating a bold centerline that works well with flowing or geometric designs. The placement is dramatic and easily hidden under clothing.