The universality of tattooing is a curious subject for speculation. – James Cook, 1779

Inking without a plan gives Booth freedom to explore the desires of those seated in his chair, he says, to feed off their energy, allowing his clients’ demons to help guide the needle. – Joshua Lipton, about tattoo artist Paul Booth, “Bad Skin,” Rolling Stone, 2002 M

You may lose your most valuable property through misfortune in various ways. You may lose your house, your wife and other treasures. But of your moko, you cannot be deprived except by death. It will be your ornament and companion until your last day. – Netana Whakaari of Waimana