Later adding another image this time of the completed tattoo Sidharth added, "It's a Maori whale tale which represents speed, strength & success! But sadly not a permanent one ?? #SidNZ #NZMustDo". The T? moko is a taonga (treasure) to M?ori, therefore each moko design is considered intellectual property. Every moko contains ancestral/tribal messages specific to the wearer and tells the story of the wearer's family and tribal affiliations and their placing within these social structures. Therefore, the moko is much more than an art form - it is an historical record.
While at the New Zealand National Tattoo Museum which is the first of its kind in the South Pacific, Sidharth posted an image of himself getting inked saying, "Got Inked by a local Maori Artist ! Any guesses what it is ??? #SidNz @PureNewZealand #Tattoo #NZMustDo #Maori." The museum was started by Steve Maddock in 2001 to ensure the rich history of the 'ta moko', or tattoo, was shared and protected. The collection features a mix of historical tattoo artefacts, tools, illustrations and information on techniques and styles, from New Zealand and the surrounding Pacific/Melanesian and Micronesian areas.
Most of us get inked because we have a story to tell, a message to deliver or as a fond memory of someone special. However Sidharth Malhotra decided to get inked to learn more about Maori culture. Apparently while exploring Wellington, Sidharth heard about the tattoo museum and was intrigued to check it out. He talked to the owner, a renowned Maori tattoo artist named Steve Maddock and decided he wanted to get a tattoo for himself.
Sidharth was more than happy to get a mock-up of a Maori design on his arm. He was inspired by a whale tail, a traditional Maori design representing speed, strength, confidence and success. Commenting on the reason behind getting inked Sidharth says, "The final design was so beautiful; I was tempted to have the work done permanently. The stories behind traditional M?ori moko are fascinating. The tattoo museum was a very interesting place. I loved the strong tribal affiliations of M?ori moko and the complexities of their designs. It is amazing how a tattoo can tell a complete story about the person who wears the artwork."
