Kia ora koutou katoa, The breath of life to you all. I thought Od start a thread about my tattoo's, as I've been getting questions about them. Firstly let me say it's been a journey over years to get them. I'm of New Zealand Maori descent and as part of our cultural practices and revival of traditional culture, many of us Maori, and non Maori get 'Taa Moko'or 'Kiri Tuhi'. I have both traditional and modern Maori tattoo designs on my body. I also have traditional Hawaiian tattoo and one western tattoo (to the shock of my family and friends). All of my tattoos were given to me to represent life events, genealogy, and also in recognition of my achievements both personally and career wise. I follow an ancient cultural practice in which tattoo design both beautifies me and identifies me....almost like reading my bio or profile, someone who knows Taa moko, can easily tell things about me, my life and my family situation from reading the tattoo. You may have noticed the triangles down one side of my body? That's the Hawaiian tattoo, called 'Niho Atua' (Gods Teeth) or Maunga (mountain) or tupuna (ancestors) they represent my Hawaiian family as descended from the heavens to remain rooted in the earth...always reminding me where I've come from and where I'm going too and that I'm part of a long lineage and therefore never alone... I'll keep adding to the thread with pics and descriptions of the other tattoos. Thanks to all of you who are so interested. It's really touching being so far from home, and I appriciate the chance to talk about this part of my culture. Nga mihinui ki a koutou! Xxx
@ImogenSteele thank you for taking the time to provide an answer to your tattoos. I love learning & studying other cultures & their beliefs. New Zealand and Hawaii are on my bucket list of places to visit before I pass from this earth. Are you in the US fulltime or do travel between here & New Zealand! If you were to cook either a traditional Hawaiian or a New Zealand Maori dish what would you cook? Once again thank you for sharing your story and history behind your beautiful tattoos.
Grizzly, if you can swing it, why not do both, visit Hawaii and then proceed to NZ? Hawaii is centrally located in the Pacific, and it's easier to get to NZ from there. Several airlines that fly out of Honolulu fly direct to NZ. The best two I hear good things about, service wise, is Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Air. Otherwise, maybe do NZ first (you can always visit domestic). As far as getting to Hawaii, we have a variety of air travel options now. In fact, Southwest just started flying to here, and just begun interisland service, a few months back. Depending on what you want to do, some airlines fly directly to the neighbor islands from the mainland, bypassing Honolulu.
Kia Ora @grizzly , Oooh! Hawaiian food or Maori food? It’s hard to beat the fusion flavors of Hawaii Nei. I love squid luau sooooo much! And ahi poke..what can I say I could list on and on.... On the other hand, I’m a hearty Maori girl and super loyal to my Maori identity. It’s not Maori’s fault that Aotearoa/NZ had such limited variety of food sources and flavour when Maori migrated there 1000 years ago. The most famous and coverted food of the Maori is ‘hangi’. This is meat and vegetables cooked inside the earth. Other cultures do earth ovens too, but honestly the Maori hangi is THE BEST! So I suppose my ultimate favorite meal is a hangi, and at the same time the Hawaiian food has so many great dishes and variety. Hawaiian food gives me cravings and when I’m in NZ, I do dream about eating Hawaiian. Hopefully that answers your question? Imogen xx
@grizzly yes, you should definitely travel to both NZ and Hawaii! Hawaii is a perfect place to stop for a few days on the way to NZ, or on the way back and Hawaii you can get around and do activities in a few days. NZ is a lot bigger and takes a bit longer depending on what you want to do. If you like culture, may as well stick to the North Island. A road trip to the tip of the North Island - Cape Rienga is one of Maori most sacred places. The final leaping place of all Maori souls on their way to the spirit world. Definitely plan to stay on a ‘marae’ Maori Village. Auckland museum is amazing for culture and history. Stop in Rotorua for hot thermal springs and it’s the Maori Mecca! Then cruise to Wellington, our capital and home of Te Papa. Our national museum. Te Papa is dynamic and a real center for our culture. Plan a trip when I’m home! Escorting is fully legal throughout the whole country! Right now I’m going between NZ, Hawaii and Nevada. I’m hoping to set up more of a base here in NV. I’m saving money to build a small homestead for my family in Hawaii. Imogen xx
Yes it did, thank you so much for taking time to reply. The foods you describe sounds amazing! Imogen thank you for the reply! Yes I would be going to NZ for the culture & history, I tend to stray from the non tourist hot spots & truly get to understand the country & its people. Part of the reason I want to see Hawaii is for the culture & history but also my grandfather was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii during WWII. I had no idea escorting was legal throughout the country of NZ! That is an amazing goal you have to build a homestead in Hawaii for your family. I will definitely keep in touch & may ask for suggestions on planning a trip to NZ & Hawaii. Once again thank you so much for answering my questions in a thoughtful reply!
I love a lady with tattoos. I designed a tattoo for a then future ex girlfriend. She wanted a pinup girl that represented her. After a few false starts, I designed an angel with an angel wing on one side and a devil wing on the other. She loved it, and had it put on. Years later, she passed away in her sleep. I’m seriously considering having the angel tattoo put on me to honor her.
Here's what Imogen is talking about: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poke_(Hawaiian_dish) http://www.genuinemaoricuisine.com/Folders/Hangi.html
These guys were on one of the local morning news shows today. They briefly talk about the traditional method of applying tattoos beginning around the 2:00 minute mark: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/...-sean-mccreadyth-annual-pacific-ink-art-expo/
Awww, I think that's such a beautiful story and meaning behind putting some ink on! All of mine represent a significant life event, or genealogy. I've gi rd a pair of angel wings. .I think I'll add to this thread with a pic and story on it xx thanks for sharing your story Nick xx Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
My hips are tattooed with manaia (guardian spirits) depicting genealogy on my mothers and fathers sides of the family
I love all your tattoos and their meanings! How cool, thank you for sharing that about yourself! xoxo
Thank you @piperrae! Your such a sweetheart! I’m often complimented on my ‘angel wings’ which is a tattoo that has a lot of meaning for me. My Maori name is ‘Anahera’ that translates to Angel in English. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Awesome info!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Book your fabulous party with @ImogenSteele today!!! She is amazing!!!
Awe - thanks @hikino for your kind words and compliments!!! You are a "Sweetheart" with a "Big Heart" and a compassion for life!!!
Wow Imogen, I'm blown away by your depth and spirituality! Thank you so much for sharing! Sent from my SM-A102U using Tapatalk
Nga mihi e hoa xx Are, I have a lot to share...my intuition is telling me that you & I need to organize a party together?! Maybe “Tag team Downunder”?! Let’s get together soon and make a plan xxx Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks, that was the tattoo that I was curious about and I didn't realize that you had already explained it in a previous post.