Tattooing is common throughout the Pacific Islands and has always been an important part of Maori culture.

Both men and women get tattooed to signify status and enhance their appearance. Maori tattoos, or tā moko, are known for their unique spiral motifs and special application technique, which produces deeply grooved scars. Tā moko originated as a ritual for mourning the dead. Using shells or obsidian (volcanic glass), Maori women would cut themselves as an expression of their grief over the death of a loved one.