Artist demonstrates ta moko for exhibition

Richard Francis creates a moko. Photo / Supplied

Celebrated Te Arawa artist Richard Francis is to host events at the Rotorua Museum at the start of next month that show the significance of ta moko.

Mr Francis will demonstrate ta moko in the exhibition Kuia Mau Moko on Thursday, January 7 and Friday, January 8 between 10am and 2pm.

Rotorua Museum event co-ordinator Kathy Nicholls said visitors and locals would be interested.

"It is such a unique opportunity to observe traditional Maori tattooing first hand and to be able to ask questions of the artist and the client," Ms Nicholls said.

As founder of Toiariki, a contemporary ta moko tattoo studio in Rotorua, Mr Francis has been active in the renaissance of contemporary Maori art, including ta moko.

During a talk on Sunday, January 10 at 2pm, Mr Francis will share his knowledge of the history of ta moko and its significance in today's society.

The final event will take place on the last day of the Kuia Mau Moko exhibition at Rotorua Museum on Sunday, January 17 at 2pm, when respected Maori kuia will share their stories about their own moko kauae.

The kuia will explain the personal significance of their own moko kauae and what it means to them to wear it throughout their lives.

Kuia Mau Moko is an exhibition of 29 black and white photographs of Maori kuia by Marti Friedlander. Entry to these events and the exhibition is included in Rotorua Museum's admission price, which is free for Rotorua residents. General museum admission: Adults $20, seniors $18 and children $8.