This paper outlines the context of Ta Moko in the Māori world, and locates the practice in the Pacific, and in the twenty first century. It describes the resurgence of the practice, and comments on the aims of the Marsen project. The three principal aims are: 1. To complete a comprehensive survey of the chant record and oral history with reference to archaeological, archival and artefactual materials. 2. To examine traditional whakairo carving in relation to Ta Moko. 3. To explore the nature of social relationships and ecologies that are supportive of, or resistant, to contemporary Ta Moko.