Moko Collection

Maori statue with Moko facial tattoo, New Zealand, Pacific

Tamati Waka Nene, 1890 (oil on canvas) by Lindauer, Gottfried (1839-1926); Original painting 101.9x84.2 cm; Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Local Maori man with traditional Moko face tattoo painting, The Tamaki Experience, Rotorua, Taupo Volcanic Zone, North Island, New Zealand, Pacific

A Maori Warrior
BON43531 A Maori Warrior by Goldie, Charles Frederick (1870-1947); Private Collection; Photo © Bonhams, London, UK; New Zealander, out of copyright

Portrait, c. 1910 (silver gelatin print)
MGS272352 Portrait, c.1910 (silver gelatin print) by Goldie, Charles Frederick (1870-1947); 16x10.4 cm; Private Collection; © Michael Graham-Stewart

Portrait, Tauranga, c. 1930 (silver gelatin print)
MGS272390 Portrait, Tauranga, c.1930 (silver gelatin print) by Garlick, Una (1883-1951); 10.2x7.4 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: photographer was Eunice Harriett Garlick)

Maori Character Study, c. 1927 (silver gelatin print)
MGS272389 Maori Character Study, c.1927 (silver gelatin print) by Garlick, Una (1883-1951); 10x7.3 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: photographer was Eunice Harriett Garlick)

Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b / w photo)
740710 Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b/w photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; New Zealander, out of copyright

Portraits, c. 1880 (albumen print)
MGS272380 Portraits, c.1880 (albumen print) by Foy Brothers Studio, (fl.1872-1902); 9x5.6 cm; Private Collection; eMichael Graham-Stewart; New Zealander, out of copyright

Portrait, c. 1875 (albumen print)
MGS272332 Portrait, c.1875 (albumen print) by Pulman, Elizabeth (1836-1900); 14.5x10 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: HiraKa Tuina; ); eMichael Graham-Stewart; English, out of copyright

Portrait of a Maori man, Taraia Ngakuti te Tumuhuia, with Moko Facial Tattoos
495410 Portrait of a Maori man, Taraia Ngakuti te Tumuhuia, with Moko Facial Tattoos, c.1860s (b/w photo) by Bishop, G. W

Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b / w photo)
740709 Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b/w photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; New Zealander, out of copyright

Portrait, c. 1860 (albumen print)
MGS272616 Portrait, c.1860 (albumen print) by Crombie, John (1827-78) (attr. to); 14x11.4 cm; Private Collection; eMichael Graham-Stewart; Scottish, out of copyright

Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b / w photo)
740711 Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b/w photo) by New Zealand Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; New Zealander, out of copyright

Hori Kingi Te Anaua, Leader of the Ngati Ruaka Tribe, c. 1860 (b / w photo)
495408 Hori Kingi Te Anaua, Leader of the Ngati Ruaka Tribe, c.1860 (b/w photo) by Bishop, G. W. (fl.1860s); Private Collection; (add.info.: Te Anaua, of Putiki Wharanui pa)

Portrait of a young Maori woman, Susan Rotorua, c. 1890
KDC384209 Portrait of a young Maori woman, Susan Rotorua, c.1890 (colour litho after an albumen print) by Martin, Josiah (1843-1916) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Susan and Ngapuia, c. 1900 (albumen print)
MGS272343 Susan and Ngapuia, c.1900 (albumen print) by Martin, Josiah (1843-1916); 20.4x15.3 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Guide Susan)

Mother and Child, c. 1905 (b / w photo)
MGS172133 Mother and Child, c.1905 (b/w photo) by Dodds, Reverand Charles (1869-1934); 10.7x7.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Hansrudolph Brungger (Moko) 1981 Formula One TT
Czech Hansrudolph Brungger (Moko) 1981 Formula One TT

Portraits of Five Maoris - New Zealand. The two male portraits (centre left and centre) show tattoo markings, or moko; all over the face; the four female portraits show how the women tattoo only

Portrait of a Man of New Zealand, illustration from Journey Round the World
XJF208342 Portrait of a Man of New Zealand, illustration from Journey Round the World to the South Pole, by Captain James Cook (1728-79) (engraving) (b/w photo) by Hodges

Mireille Balin 1937
Mireille Balin, French actress. Playing Gaby in Pepe Le Moko. One of the most glamorous and best loved actresses of pre-war French cinema. 1937

For sale as Licensed Images

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"Moko: The Timeless Art of Maori Facial Tattooing" Maori culture is rich with traditions that have been passed down through generations, and one of the most striking and iconic aspects is the art of Moko. This ancient practice involves adorning the face with intricate tattoos, symbolizing a person's identity, heritage, and achievements. Dating back centuries, it has played a significant role in Maori society. It serves as a visual representation of an individual's genealogy and tribal affiliations. Each unique design tells a story about their ancestors' exploits or personal triumphs. These facial tattoos are not merely decorative; they hold deep cultural significance. One captivating example is the Maori statue with Moko facial tattoo captured in Tamati Waka Nene's 1890 oil painting. The artist skillfully portrays this revered figure adorned with elaborate patterns etched into his skin—a testament to his status within his community. Another powerful depiction can be found in Hansrudolph Brungger's 1981 Formula One TT artwork showcasing a local Maori man proudly displaying his traditional Moko face tattoo. This portrayal highlights how this sacred tradition continues to thrive even in modern times. The strength and resilience embodied by Maori warriors are beautifully showcased in various portraits throughout history. A c. 1910 silver gelatin print captures the intensity of a fierce warrior donning full facial Moko—his eyes filled with determination and pride. Tauranga's c. 1930 silver gelatin print offers us another glimpse into this timeless art form as it depicts an unidentified local man wearing an intricately designed Moko on his face—an artistic masterpiece that speaks volumes about his lineage and cultural heritage. In addition to these historical photographs, there are also stunning examples from earlier periods like the colored engraving from 1769 portraying a proud Maori chief adorned with full facial Moko—the epitome of dignity and honor. Te Hinote Kawau's c.