Concern over ignorant use of Maori moko

A group of academics are concerned the Maori tattoo is being used by non-Maori, without understanding what the symbols mean.

Auckland University art history lecturer Ngarino Ellis and fellow academics Professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku and Linda Waimarie Nikora were particularly concerned that people were "misappropriating" Ta Moko or traditional Maori tattoo.

The concern comes after controversy over heavy weight boxer and convicted rapist Mike Tyson's moko-looking tattoo over his eye, which he had done just before his fight against Clifford Etienne last weekend.

A spokesman for Tyson said it was meant to represent his being a "warrior".

Maori expert on facial tattoos Pita Sharples said at the time that he did not like seeing the design on Tyson because of his criminal past.

He was also disturbed by British rock star Robbie Williams' arm tattoo "because there are definitely Maori characters of moko" in it.

The traditional full-face moko has a set format with specific designs for the forehead, cheek, lips and mouth.

Ms Ellis said the fact that high profile figures like Tyson and Williams and musician Ben Harper were sporting moko-like tattoos, "demonstrates a need for more information in the wider community about Ta Moko, both here and overseas".

The women were currently carrying out a three-year study into the designs, implements, pigments and significance of Ta Moko as well as who was doing them and who was receiving them.

Based at the Maori and Psychology Research Unit at the University of Waikato, the research was to focus on both historical and contemporary moko and looked at how it was being used in New Zealand and around the world.

"Next year, we are planning to have a day of record at the University of Waikato. We will be inviting people with Ta Moko to come in and be recorded," Ms Ellis said.

A similar day at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London held last year had had a huge response.

The study would also consider the use of Ta Moko as a signature on land deeds, as well as its use in portraiture and how it had been recorded in carving.

"The use of Ta Moko on land deeds is some of our earliest forms of self-portraiture, which has never before really been discussed or analysed," Ms Ellis said.

- NZPA