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Alex Palisson wears a mock moko for French magazine Tetu - Source: Supplied -
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A controversial photoshoot for a French magazine which features a rugby player wearing a fake moko has been met with outrage from some quarters.
One correspondent to tvnz.co.nz branded Alexis Palisson's topless pose on the front cover of Tetu - a bimonthly magazine catering for France's gay and lesbian community - a "mistake".
"Is he representing any particular iwi and if so has he got the moko correct and has he obtained permission from the iwi concerned (if there is one connected to the moko) to have this moko? I am pakeha but even I know that the moko represents your iwi affiliation and must be worn with the greatest humility and respect!" 'Whytewolf' wrote on the TVNZ messageboard.
Moko tell the story of family and tribal affiliations, and are often sacred. Messageboard contributor said they are not something that should be taken lightly.
"Moko is not just a skin scribble it is something that is supposed to be earnt," Whaea M said.
"I know a lot of respected Maori that have waited for the right time to take the journey for ta moko. There is a story in each moko and that story pertains to each individual. How would these non Maori like their artwork exploited and the meaning changed and used for monetary gain!"
Palisson was also photographed with Maori tattoos across his torso and wielding a traditional taiaha.
In the magazine article, he said: "For me, Maori tattoos are like the haka - a tradition that I respect, that also helps to make rugby more popular."
But there are angry comments also on a Facebook page for the French star.
"Intellectual property Alexis why would you think that wearing Moko was a tribute to my people you have no right to wear this in the name of money mate," one person commented.
Broadcaster Willie Jackson told ONE News the photoshoot was an example of New Zealand culture being ripped off.
"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," he said.
"Frankly we just get sick of the arrogance shown by people overseas. Why don't they go through the correct process."
However his fellow broadcaster John Tamihere said last night he had no problem with it, and believed it was good publicity for New Zealand ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Others agree and messages to TVNZ describe the response to the photoshoot as an over-reaction.
"NZ Maori/Kiwis should feel proud that these people are wanting to wear Maori designs, embrace it," 'Addertive' said.
"As a Maori in NZ, I have no problem with this. As long as it is not taking the p**s, then why should we care?" wrote Ernest Cunningham.
Palisson says he regrets causing any offence and sees the tattoos as a tradition he respects.
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.
A recent Waitangi Tribunal report recommended law changes protecting intellectual property, and Maori culture and heritage.
However, it remains unclear how this would apply to overseas use.
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.