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Kirituhi ring

Kirituhi, maori tattoo ring in sterling silver

The Kirituhi ring, a piece of silver adorned with Maori tattoo motifs, embodies the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual heritage of the Maori, a people of Polynesian origin primarily residing in New Zealand, particularly in the northern regions of the North Island.

Maori people are renowned worldwide for their art of tattooing, skillfully blending curves, spirals, and geometry to create iconic motifs laden with meanings.

According to an ancient Maori legend, the art of tattooing was introduced to the Maori people by Mataora, a man whose life was marked by passionate turmoil and a quest for redemption. Married to Niwareka, a woman from the spirit world, Mataora was consumed by anger during a marital dispute and inadvertently inflicted a wound upon his wife. Distraught, Niwareka sought refuge with her spiritual family, leaving Mataora overwhelmed by remorse and guilt. In his quest for Niwareka's forgiveness, Mataora embarked on a spiritual journey to the world of the ancestors, where he encountered Uetonga, his father-in-law. It was there, in the heart of this mystical world, that Mataora was initiated into the mysteries of Maori tattooing, or tā moko. Uetonga, wise and respected, revealed to him the true essence of the indelible tattoo, demonstrating the futility of temporary marks compared to the depth and permanence of tā moko. Recognizing the value of this sacred tradition, Mataora agreed to undergo the intense pain of facial tattooing, symbolizing his repentance and desire for reconciliation. Thus, after overcoming trials and physical suffering, Mataora reconciled with Niwareka and returned to the real world, bearing on his face the distinctive marks of tā moko. This initiatory journey profoundly transformed him, allowing him to bring back with him the precious secret of Maori tattooing, a symbol of spiritual connection, identity, and respect for ancestral traditions.

The very name of the ring, Kirituhi, means "mark on the skin" in Maori. In recent years, a distinction has been made between tā moko, reserved for people of Maori descent, and kirituhi, or Maori tattoo adapted for non-Maoris. Each engraved motif tells a unique story, that of the person wearing the tattoo. It reflects their family history (whanau), lineage (whakapapa), people, and community (iwi), as well as the significant moments of their life and journey.

The Kirituhi ring is an artistic interpretation of this millennia-old tradition, engraved with an original selection of Maori motifs: elegant curves, symbolic semicircles, circles representing unity and the cycles of life, triangles evoking strength and balance. Each motif is laden with meaning, creating a visual narrative canvas that invites exploration of the depths of Maori culture.

Thus, the Kirituhi ring is a tangible link to the history and spirituality of the Maori, a symbol of respect and appreciation for an ancestral tradition of immeasurable richness. Whether worn for its aesthetic beauty or its evocative power, this ring embodies the encounter between art and culture, inviting celebration of the diversity and depth of human stories.

Metal: sterling silver.

Width of the band: 10 mm.

The model is wearing a 1mm thick band. The back of the ring will show a plain band where the band is soldered.

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

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