PUHORO WANANGA
A 6 to 7 day journey of ritual, endurance & rites of passage
In traditional times the puhoro was a rite of passage for Ngā Toa o Te Hokowhitu ā Tū, the male and female warriors of rank. The warriors would undergo the ordeal as a test of endurance & determination & to strengthen their mental resolve. One must find a place of calm and acceptance of pain, and connect to their spirit through the breath, in order to transition through this hearty rite of passage. This requires preparation physically, mentally and spiritually.
The terms Taurapa and Pūhoro are derived from the waka tauā, the war canoe. The Taurapa being the rear stern post of the canoe, and the Pūhoro pattern represents speed, and is derived from the wake left in the water as the waka speeds through it. Speed and agility, traits necessary for a warrior.
Todays battlefield is a much different battlefield. Our modern world calls for our warrior spirit to endure the challenges of life differently to what our ancestors did. Nevertheless this rite of passage experience will usher you into a new level of self confidence on all levels. For this reason, all toa who are wanting to undergo this rite of passage will be asked to book out the whole week to complete this ritual (If you have health reasons for staging this process we will accommodate accordingly).
THE PATHWAY OF MATAORA/KAUAE
The pathway to Mataora/Kauae is a process of seeking the support and guidance of your whanau and elders in undertaking this life changing experience. Tattooing the face can have obvious social implications, our modern world is of a capitalistic and politically biased structure, and one must be prepared for some challenging encounters from society.
Jobs have been terminated and denied, racism and fear can make people react to your pathway in undesirable ways. So having that support system in place will mitigate a sense of aloneness, and in fact will strengthen your stance and choice to wear this noble mark with a humble pride and rooted strength.
Approach the journey in a ceremonial manner, this is a rites of passage! And should be taken on at an important time in life. Having a good kaupapa or reason will ground the journey with mana! It is your birthright as a Maori descendant, but should be taken up as a benchmark of achievement or a commemoration of an important person or event in ones life. Not because it’s trendy!
The next step is to ensure you resonate with Turumakina's mahi and energy. To better understand him as an individual and as your kai ta, here's a poem he wrote on the sacred work of ta moko to give you an insight of how highly he respects the mahi and the connection he shares with the wearer.
MOKO - The Ancient Mark
Born of Rarohenga in the realms of the deep
Through mists of the ages the sages do keep
The sacred links and priestly connections
To WhakaRuuaumoko the fledgling god turned under,
Beneath the surface of mother Gaia,
Given to him a sacred fire,
Eruptions volcanic through veins of the earth
Our mother left beautifully scarred and adorned gives birth to her children
Of the redness of earth from Kurawaka are we,
Reflecting the gods perfectly, divinely
Great Taane our father progenitor true
Of Hine and Tiki from Papatuuaanuku!
Deep are the furrows of kauri stained brows,
Ancient the blood stained chisel that ploughs,
Through flesh and bone,
Ancestral lines chiefly in origin and intent
This privileged legacy of sacred descent
Masterfully delineated in symmetrical prose
Resting on layers of glory and woes
Bridging the worlds of darkness and light
Mataora and Niwareka in their fateful plight
He of the light and She of the night
Brought chisel and healing to the realm of the light
Thus are the origins of the ancient mark
Thus is the journey of which we embark.
If all the above resonates with you, then by all means please proceed with the booking process