Here's a breakdown:
* Chisel: The chisel, called uhi, is made from bone, usually whalebone or human bone. It's sharpened and then used to strike a small mallet, which then forces the ink into the skin.
* Ink: Traditional Māori tā moko ink was made from a variety of natural ingredients, including:
* Charcoal: This provided the black pigment for the tattoo.
* Oxide: Iron oxide or manganese oxide, often obtained from specific types of soil, contributed to the ink's colour.
* Natural resins and gums: These served as binders to help the ink adhere to the skin.
* Other natural ingredients: Different plants and minerals were used to create different colours.
It's important to note that tā moko is much more than just a design on the skin. It's a deep, symbolic form of art that represents a person's lineage, identity, and stories.
Modern Māori tattoo artists often use electric tattoo machines and modern pigments, but they still strive to maintain the traditional techniques and meaning of tā moko.