EP.04 - Talking with Turumakina

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and master practitioner of traditional Māori tattooing, Turumakina Duley. Together, we explore the sacred art of Tā Moko—its ancient origins, its ceremonial nature, and the powerful stories embedded in each pattern and design.

Tu shares the rich whakapapa of this revered practice, guiding us through the rituals that accompany the receiving of these ancestral markings and the deep connection they offer to identity, belonging, and lineage. We speak about Tā Moko as a living bridge—one that connects the past to the present, healing personal and cultural traumas along the way.

From the traditional tools and pigments to the myths and legends that shaped the practice, Tu takes us on a journey through time and spirit. We also discuss the global relevance of this revival, and how Tā Moko now stands as a beacon for other cultures seeking to reconnect with their own ancestral tattoo traditions.

This episode is rich with wisdom, reverence, and deep remembering—an essential listen for anyone drawn to the power of tattoo as sacred ceremony.

Turumakina Duley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tu_moko/

Website: https://www.artselemental.com

Contact Shane... [e-mail]

Website: ancestortattoo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanetattooer/

Title music: Ngā Tai Tawhito, Kiki Pounamu https://smarturl.it/kikipounamu