Maori Tribe

The Maori tribe is the largest social unit within the Maori society. It has been said that the first Maori came to  New Zealand in 12 different canoes carrying 12 different tribes.
The facial tattoo was considered a mark of adulthood and achievement, they were usually marked from forehead to throat. They would use a bone chisel which was scalpel-sharp to cut and engrave the face, creating a raised pattern.

No facial tattoos were ever alike, womens tattoos were never as extreme and usually darker around their lips and nostrils and more commonly the design going down the chin.

I think these designs are amazing and these people are brave for going through that pain it makes me queasy just thinking about it! 

People forget where ideas for tattoos come from nowadays but from looking at most they all have influences of tribal in them.

Seeing the pictures of this tribe reminded me of one thing- Mike Tyson, maybe he isn't as extreme as the Maori tribe but still is very similar, this could also show achievement from his success from fighting which also relates back to the warriors getting them.

I think the tattoos on the face look brilliant and I would definitely like to include something like this into my final shoot.