Final answer:
Maori individuals typically receive their first tattoos as they reach adulthood or significant milestones. The tattoos have traditional significance related to status and identity in their culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ta Moko, the traditional Maori practice of tattooing, is highly significant in Maori culture, establishing identity, status, and personality. The exact age at which a Maori individual receives their first tattoos isn't universally fixed but is traditionally associated with reaching adulthood or significant milestones. Historically, these tattoos, especially facial moko, were adorned as individuals achieved higher status within the tribe or community. Maori tattoos are renowned for their complex patterns and cultural symbolism, echoing the natural world with curving, twisting, and spiraling lines across the skin.
As a testament to their rich cultural heritage, the practice continues to thrive, bridging the gap between traditional customs and modern influences in New Zealand. The challenge for indigenous communities is balancing the connection to traditional lifestyles with the pressures of globalization and a cosmopolitan society.