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Elder Tattoo Artist Revives Maori Facial Tattoos After Ban

7/26/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mark Kopua, a 64-year-old tattoo artist in Gisborne, performed a Maori facial tattoo (ta moko) on his 56-year-old nephew Desmond Horomia in February.
Kopua said the community lost its tohunga ta moko after the 1907 colonial ban, which forced Maori to hide tattoos and stop teaching the practice.
Today moko kanohi reappear on TV, streets and Parliament while Maori youth share ceremonies on social media, persuading elders to receive tattoos.

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Story summary

Mark Kopua, a 64-year-old tattoo artist in Gisborne, performed a Maori facial tattoo (ta moko) on his 56-year-old nephew Desmond Horomia in February.
Kopua said the community lost its tohunga ta moko after the 1907 colonial ban, which forced Maori to hide tattoos and stop teaching the practice.
Today moko kanohi reappear on TV, streets and Parliament while Maori youth share ceremonies on social media, persuading elders to receive tattoos.