
In this episode of the Tattoos with Intention podcast, host Mark Nara interviews moko artist Turumakina Duley.
They discuss the significance of traditional Maori tattooing and rites of passage. Tu recounts his journey into tattooing, beginning with his childhood exposure to cultural performance and his deepening connection to Maori heritage. He shares insights from his doctoral thesis on rites of passage and the importance of re-establishing traditional practices within Maori communities.
The conversation explores the psychological, communal, and transformative impacts of moko and emphasizes the importance of collective rituals and mentorship. Listeners are invited to delve deeper into the cultural and personal narratives that shape meaningful tattoo experiences.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
Instagram: @artselemental | @tu_moko
Website: Arts Elemental
Books:
- The Power of Myth – Joseph Campbell
- The Archetype of Initiation – Robert L. Moore
- King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature – Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette
Instagram: @themarkofnara
🎧 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE
→ 20. Tradition, Tools, and Transformation – A Conversation with Māori Artist Moko Smith
🔥 WHEN YOU’RE READY
→ Book a 1:1 consult with Mark
🤩 LISTEN + WATCH MORE
Watch this episode on YouTube → Tattoo Pathway Channel
Prefer to listen? Subscribe on Spotify | Apple
Explore more episodes → Tattoos With Intention archive
🖤 SUPPORT THE SHOW
Like this episode? Hit the like button and subscribe for more.
Leave a comment if something landed—we’d love to hear from you.
Know a brand or business aligned with our message?
Sponsor or collaborate with us: tattoopathway.com/contact
- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction
- 00:50 Meeting Turumakina Duley
- 02:52 Turumakina’s Early Life and Tattoo Beginnings
- 05:49 Mentorship and Moko Revival
- 09:00 Rites of Passage and Cultural Significance
- 21:50 Challenges and Adaptations in Modern Times
- 29:34 Morning Rituals
- 29:41 The Importance of Rituals
- 30:43 Reviving Maori Cultural Practices
- 33:23 Global Initiations and Dark Shadows
- 37:20 Tattooing as a Rite of Passage
- 44:31 Mixed Genealogies and Cultural Connections
- 48:35 Concluding Thoughts and Resources