20. Tradition, Tools, and Transformation - A Conversation with Māori Artist Moko Smith

In this episode, Moko-nui-a-rangi Smith, shares his deep insights into the cultural significance of Māori tattooing and its connection to cultural identity. He discusses the importance of events at marae, such as wānanga (intense cultural seminars) in grounding Māori identity and sparking a desire to return to traditional arts. Smith recounts his journey from theatre to moko, the mentorship and the intricate process of making traditional tattooing tools. The episode also highlights the challenges and responsibilities of tattooing within and outside Māori culture, emphasising the importance of authenticity, cultural context, and personal growth. Finally, the discussion touches on ideas for maintaining a healthy tattooing process and the profound impact of traditional practices on individual and community identity.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESInstagram:⁠ ⁠⁠@uhi_tapu⁠⁠⁠skindigenous series⁠⁠Māori TV & News⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@themarkofnara⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE→⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠25. Lane Wilcken: Cultural Tattoos and Ancient Filipino Traditions – Part 1🔥 WHEN YOU’RE READY→⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 1:1 consult with Mark ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠→⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Get Tattooed by Mark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠→⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join the FREE Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🤩 LISTEN + WATCH MOREWatch this episode on YouTube →⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tattoo Pathway Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prefer to listen? Subscribe on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore more episodes →⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tattoos With Intention archive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🖤 SUPPORT THE SHOWLike this episode? Hit the like button and subscribe for more.Leave a comment if something landed—we’d love to hear from you.Know a brand or business aligned with our message?Sponsor or collaborate with us:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠tattoopathway.com/contact⁠⁠⁠00:00 Introduction00:35 Geographical and Cultural Roots01:16 Life in Auckland and Connection to Rotorua01:47 The Importance of Family and Cultural Events02:53 Moko Wānanga: Cultural Seminars and Tattooing Practices04:26 The Evolution of Moko and Addressing Modern Challenges06:11 Personal Journey into Tattooing and Cultural Identity20:18 Learning and Crafting Traditional Tools25:24 Theatre Background and Transition to Tattooing26:30 Mentorship and Learning the Craft28:03 The Rise of Moko in the 80s and 90s28:50 Learning and Evolution of Tattooing Techniques29:27 The Cultural Significance and Revival of Tā Moko31:54 Adapting Traditional Tools for Modern Tattooing33:32 The Importance of Process in Tattooing35:12 Intergenerational Transmission and Cultural Identity43:24 Guidance for a Healthy Tattoo Process48:33 Balancing Work, Training, and Community52:45 Support and Collaboration Among Artists