Abstract
<jats:p>The article explores symbolic meaning and role of toi moko — mummifi ed tattooed human heads. In this regard, the basic concepts of traditional Maori culture are briefl y outlined. Preservation of ancestor’s heads was seen as a manifestation of respect for them. Toi moko of tribe members were considered sacred objects and provided a posthumous connection with deceased relatives. The heads of tribe members whose faces were covered with tattoos were mummifi ed. The tattoo refl ected the person’s origin, status and life history. “Trophy heads” of enemies were put on display as proof of superiority and victory, and were also used for ritual and political purposes. Europeans who arrived in New Zealand in the late 18th century took an interest in toi moko as souvenirs or curiosities, which eventually led to commercial heads trade, an increase in the number of “fake” heads and, as a result, the toi moko desacralization. The destruction of the traditional Maori way of life because of European colonization led to the disappearance of the practices of facial tattooing and posthumous head mummifi cation by the end of the 19th century. Today, there is a tendency to revive the traditional spiritual Maori culture and the desire to return ancestral remains to their homeland. As a result of the study, it was suggested that the Maori tradition of making toi moko is based on ancestor cults and an attempt is being made to fi nd its origins. For this purpose, the author invokes Maori legends and data from archaeological investigations carried out on the New Zealand islands.</jats:p>