‘A Curious Document’ Ta Moko as Evidence of Pre-European Textual Culture in New Zealand

Abstract

Traditionally Maori have been viewed as having no written form of communication prior to the European colonization of New Zealand. The aim of this paper is to determine whether Ta Moko, Maori facial tattooing, can be construed as evidence a pre-European textual culture in New Zealand. Tattooing has a long history in the multi-various cultures of the world, yet the Maori form is exceptional in its method of application. It is also of particular interest bibliographically, because of its use by Maori as a signature on legal documents.