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Alex Palisson wears a mock moko for French magazine Tetu - Source: Supplied -
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A French magazine is courting cultural outrage with a front cover photo of a rugby player wearing a fake moko.
Fullback Alexis Palisson is topless on the front cover of Tetu - a bimonthly magazine catering for France's gay and lesbian community.
The 23-year-old has been photographed with not only a fake moko on his chin but also Maori tattoos across his torso. He is even seen wielding a traditional taiaha.
In the magazine article, Palisson said: "For me, Maori tattoos are like the haka - a tradition that I respect, that also helps to make rugby more popular."
But critics in New Zealand are outraged at the photographs - calling them 'cultural theft'.
"Our culture gets bastardised, that's what happens - it's not right, it's not fair, and we're getting portrayed in the wrong manner," said broadcaster Willie Jackson.
Moko tell the story of family and tribal affiliations, and are often sacred.
Jackson suggests that those who rip it off should at least ask Maori first.
"Frankly we just get sick of the arrogance shown by people overseas. Why don't they go through the correct process," he said.
Palisson has since apologised, saying that while he regrets causing any offence he sees tattoos as a tradition he respects.
Tattoo artist Andre Munro said foreigners with mokos do not even realise it is insulting.
"The stopping of it - that you can't do, and a lot of those people that are doing it - they really don't understand what it they are doing," he told ONE News.
Boxer Mike Tyson caused a stir with his Maori inspired tattoo, and popstar Robbie Williams is another celebrity keen on the design.
Currently, there is no legislation in New Zealand to prevent overseas "exploitation" of Maori designs and images, Auckland intellectual property consultant Murray Stott told the Herald on Sunday.
In a recent Waitangi Tribunal report, it recommends law changes protecting intellectual property, and Maori culture and heritage.
However, it remains unclear how this would operate overseas.
A spokesman for the French national rugby team told the newspaper that Palisson was not under the union's responsibility when the pictures were taken.
With Newstalk ZB
What do you think? Have your say on the messageboard below
Add a Comment:
Post new commentBORNnBreed said on 2011-07-19 @ 21:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
@ioneeye here's a website to help with your lack of history on new zealand flags, http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/flags-of-new-zealand , then you can say who's disrespectful, the united tribes flag is still reckonised.
BORNnBreed said on 2011-07-19 @ 21:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm Maori both my parents are maori all 4 of my grandparents &I'm proud as to belong to the maori culture. I personally have no problem with this french guy at all. but to read most of the comments that are on this board are just childish & pathetic. you can't put a price on ta moko it doesn't come with a price tag so all you people saying maori are moaning cause they didn't get paid grow up,
te_aho said on 2011-07-19 @ 17:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
u both have good point's and i see where your coming from, to say that because he's on a gay magazine wearin it is not the point the point is he's nt Maori, in the old days Maori had to "earn" there stripes so to say, i can't get my ta-moko because i have not done enough, bet u didn't no that aye once again talking about something u no nothing about, what gives him the right bein non-Maori to wear a moko??? Gay Straight sideways and what... He's not Maori get it?!
Paoragirl said on 2011-07-19 @ 00:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
ey WOLFMAN aka RALPHMAN Maoris can't get paid for a fake moko stupid! And the only reason you're complaining is because you can't TAX it (Nat Lover!)
Neo said on 2011-07-18 @ 20:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
Becasue the moment they get paid they wouldnt whinge about it. How many other Cultural tatoos are copied all over the world, Irish\Celtic\Samoan as examples.... those people dont whinge the embrace it. Maybe you need to get a life..... or a job. That exposure can only really help I think.