| REDGIE WALKER-SMALL
Lines of Soul
HE TAONGA TUKU IHO
Moko, the treasure handed down from our ancestors.
Redgie's Soul Wise Tattoo is otherwise known as
Moko Mōhio te Wairua and
was officially created back in 2016 yet its humble beginnings go back to 2008.
Redgie has been providing Tā Moko for both Tāngata W'enua and visitors from afar for over a decade. Redgie, the artist behind Soul Wise Tattoo, has been perfecting his craft and style since 2008.
The process includes consultation via email, custom design and tattooing through the traditional art of Maori skin marking with yet modern tools.
You story is told not in a this means this and that means this but rather in a holistic way bringing all the elements of your w'akapapa or story together
Redgie has been providing
Tā Moko for both Tāngata W'enua and visitors from afar for over a decade. Redgie, the artist behind Soul Wise Tattoo, has been perfecting his craft and style since 2008.
SO, WHAT IS MOKO?
Through visual storytelling that spans generations, from the tales of our Ancestors to the Demi-Gods and Gods echoing across Te Moananui-a-Kiwa and reaching back to Te Kore, the beginning, Redgie Walker-Small unites these narratives into a tapestry of triumphs, sufferings, and ancestral wisdom.
As a Kai Tā, Redgie embodies a wealth of knowledge, guiding the wānanga—a continuous cycle of learning and teaching. In this journey, knowledge flows freely, with both guide and participant exchanging roles as student and teacher. Through the art of Moko, each creation becomes a unique reflection of personal milestones and achievements, offering a holistic experience unlike any other.
Redgie's approach intertwines ancient wisdom with modern expression, culminating in a visual representation that unveils your identity through the intricate marks and lines of your Moko. This process is a testament to the power of art in revealing our stories and shaping our understanding of self.
MOKO IS NOT KIRITUHI
What distinguishes Ta Moko from Kirituhi lies in their cultural significance and practice. Ta Moko, rooted in ancient traditions predating modern tattooing, is a sacred art form deeply intertwined with Māori culture. At Soul Wise, we uphold the sanctity of Ta Moko, emphasizing that it is not synonymous with Kirituhi.
Ta Moko transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies ancestral stories, spiritual connections, and cultural heritage. While Ta Moko historically pertained to individuals of Māori descent, Redgie Walker-Small believes that anyone who resonates with its significance can receive Tā Moko. Redgie works closely with clients to ensure that each design is not only meaningful but also respectful to both the wearer and the art form itself.
It's essential to recognize that, according to Redgie, the art form should primarily be known simply as "Moko." He also holds that Moko should be practiced by those who wakapapa to Marae, as these places hold the foundational stories and principles that inform our w'akairo.