What do the maori tattoos mean?

Answer:
The ta Moko and the Whakapapa respectively, denote to all who can read it who you are, who your family is, what you do for a living, special accomplishments, representations of nature and of the spirits, and all the things that make you...you. To them it is a second skin which they take quite seriously. It is extremely offensive to Maori, and Samoans for that matter, if you simply copy designs that are on other people, as that is a wholly custom design for that person and is unique in it's own way. Instead, they prefer that outsiders who love the art get a variant of it called Kirituhi.
First answer by Morgue Man. Last edit by Morgue Man. Contributor trust: 21 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 0 [recommend question].