Moko Aio (Extended) (English)

In this exclusive Tales From The Needle Extended episode, Seb dives even deeper into an unfiltered, raw conversation with Māori tattoo artist Moko Aio. From ancestral ties to the resurgence of Tā Moko, Moko shares how tattooing serves as both a personal journey and a cultural reclamation for Māori identity. The discussion unfolds around sacred rituals, the evolution of Māori tattoos from repression to revival, and the weight of responsibility carried by those who wear and create Moko.

Beyond tattooing, Moko and Seb explore broader themes of cultural identity, systemic challenges faced by Māori communities, and the global exchange of indigenous tattoo traditions. With insights into health, artistry, and the deep spiritual layers of Tā Moko, this extended conversation offers an unparalleled look into the intersection of ink, heritage, and storytelling.