With the ever increasing westernized idea of tattoos on the lower back of women increasing. I'm finding it hard to contain my annoyance at this carrying over to Tā Moko. More so for the tattooists who do them. No I'm not a prude, I have a Tā Moko of my own which I don't disrespect by putting close to my butt crack. Intricate lines which although mean very little to some, hold significance by way of the lines which create a pattern. The same principles apply to carving, Tukutuku (weaved panels) panels found in our Marae (meeting houses) and now places of notice in the more public sector. Most symbols signify the beginning of life, life forces and sources, our ancestors more importantly, stories of old & new and pay homage to those passed on & maybe living too. Why Māori women in particular, consider their lower back in close proximity to their waste disposal unit a significant Tā Moko placement. Is beyond my comprehension and morals. All I can say is shame on you!!. Oh yes this is a dig blog and rightly so. You might as well place your butt on the food table to add to the mix.
Just saying!
Lore
lore/lôr/Noun
1. A body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth.
How lore was taught to me as a girl, applies to the lore that I follow now and instill as closely as possible as I can to my life now as a Woman. The growing numbers of inter-racial relationships has unfortunately seen a decline in Maori lore being carried through. To an extent where a crucial part of ones identity is overshadowed by the dominant custom instilled at home, there is a lack of balance which encompasses the heritage of both parents. My point is not to say inter-racial relationships shouldn't happen. I'm saying that there is a responsibility that needs to be upheld by all Maori, in educating, custom informing and passing down the traditions we learnt as young ones. Regardless of where in the world you may dwell, you are and always will be of Maori Descent as are our children. Denying them the knowledge of who they are and where they belong to, is bound to have an impact on their cultural identity at a later age. Parents as first teachers is where this responsibility lays, as does the responsibility of grandparents, aunties, uncles and extended families. Through each we build a strengthened knowledge base, that upholds those values and customs. Which in turn gives us the confidence and strength to hold our heads up high and be proud of where you originate from and the ancestors you descend from.
Lore came hand in hand with growing up, we observed, we modelled behaviour and we learnt to understand what is acceptable.
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