Ta moko (Maori tattooing), especially facial moko (tattoo), has become a popular mechanism for the expression of self determination. Many Maori people are adopting this art form as part of a renaissance of Maori culture in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This declaration of Maori self-determination is also an assertion of the pride felt by the tangata whenua (people of the land) for their culture, their language and more, importantly, their identity. This thesis will illustrate how moko kauae (female chin tattooing) is a means of expressing Maori identity with specific reference to Tuhoe identity. Using an Indigenous theoretical framework this Maori Studies thesis examines the historical and contemporary political dimensions of moko kauae, the interface with the Maori worldview (inclusive of its cultural concepts), and its relationship to identity politics. This will be complimented by the personal stories of Tuhoe women who have undertaken moko kauae as well as commentaries from other Tuhoe people who express what their Tuhoetanga means to them and their lives.

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Thesis (M.A.--Art History)--University of Auckland. / Title from title screen (viewed on 18 June 2009). Creation of machine-readable version: Aptara. Conversion to TEI.2-conformant markup: Samantha Callaghan. Creation of digital images: Aptara.

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