Ep. 002 Reviving Maori Sacred Art: An Inspiring Journey in Moko with Julie Paama-Pengelly

What happens when an ancestral skin marker decides to carry the torch of Moko, a sacred tattooing practice integral to Māori culture? Join us as we navigate this intriguing question with our guest, Julie Paama-Pengelly, a Māori artist and Moko practitioner. Over a fascinating journey spanning 35 years, she has seen Moko evolve and regain its spiritual power, profoundly impacting cultural preservation.

Embarking on this journey wasn't without its challenges. We delve into the complexities of reviving Moko, the connection between the term "Kirituhi" and Moko's evolution, and the responsibilities that come with wearing it. However, the conversation doesn't stop there. A crucial part of our discussion revolves around the gender roles within the Moko community. We spotlight Julie's struggles as a female practitioner in a predominantly male field, emphasizing the need for more recognition and representation of women in Moko's revival.

We also explore the importance of Indigenous tattoo and design beyond it being a trend. Echoing these sentiments, Julie, a luminary in the indigenous tattoo community, speaks about the significance of these designs and the need for community-oriented practices. We touch upon the creation of robust Indigenous spaces and the importance of indigenous voices in the discourse surrounding Moko. So, join us as we immerse you in the transformative power of Moko and the inspiring journey of a woman determined to keep this sacred art alive.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode, and I am excited to travel the world of Indigenous tattooing with you as we visit with friends and colleagues from across the globe doing the work. If you would like to get the links and show notes from this episode, go to:

www.transforamtivemarks.com/2

Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas

Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks

I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts