Tattooing among the Maori was highly developed and extremely symbolic. Maori facial tattoos were created by two methods. One was by piercing and pigmenting the skin with a tattooing comb. The other was by creating permanent grooves in the face with a chisel-like instrument. Male facial tattooing, called ta moko, was done in stages in a male's life through adulthood. Females were also tattooed in Maori society. Female facial tattooing was known as ta ngutu. Designs were placed on the chin and lips. There is a growing revival of this art among younger Maori women nowadays.
Tā moko is traditional Māori tattooing, often on the face, and its purpose and applications are sacred. Tā moko is closely identified with carving and used to be practised by tohunga tā moko (priestly experts) but today is practised by tā moko artists.