There are many kōrero of what pre-colonial standards were for receiving moko kanohi, Edmonds said. "But the most common reason I have heard in my learnings was as a coming-of-age process ...

From a young age, Tai felt an unexplainable pull toward receiving his moko kanohi, something he held as a sacred calling. "I don't know why I wanted it, but it seemed 'right'," he said.

For Kirsten Crawford, the journey to receiving her moko kauae has been one of identity, connection, and the feeling of "becoming complete." ...