Moko: Maori Tattoos


Printed:	1999	Author:	Hans Neleman
Publisher:	Edition Stemmle	ISBN:	3908161967
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Hardcover - 144 pages (November 1999) Usually ships within 2-3 days.
Amazon Review
-From the Publisher-
The Maori of New Zealand struggle to reclaim their heritage while each day the barbarous and illicit trade in mokomakai, the preserved heads of Maori ancestors, continues. Distrustful of Europeans and their descendents, the Maori have never allowed any photographs to be taken of them, fearing they would only be further exploited. MOKO - MAORI TATTOOS is the breakthrough book that finally introduces photographs of the Maori, and their stunning facial tattooing, called ta moko.
To help in the Maori cause, photographer Hans Neleman will donate all of his royalties to benefit a Maori fund. Ta Moko is the Maori form of a tradition that extends throughout the islands of Polynesia. Although this legacy had been abandoned for over a century, the late 1970s marked its revival when gang members applied facial designs to once again identify themselves as Maori. Photographer Hans Neleman introduced himself gradually to the Maori and soon was accepted into their meetings where he approached them about doing a book. Before the Maori allowed Hans Neleman to photograph them, an agreement was made that he would only publish photographs if the Maori's words were printed next to the photos. The quotes speak of suffering and loss, power and spirituality. Most words were taken directly from the photographic subjects who were interviewed during the shoot. Texts from Maori religious documents are also included to unite the present with the past.
In MOKO - MAORI TATTOOS, the intricate patterns of the moko jump out from simple white backgrounds. Neleman chose this setting to eliminate any element that might distract the viewer from his subjects. As a result, the viewer is drawn to a stronger and more deeply resonant presence. In some ways, the strength and sincerity of these subjects is more apparent in their eyes and facial expressions than any of their other physical manifestations. In one picture a fierce-looking Rastafarian, resplendent in his leather, tenderly holds a child in his arms. Documenting this apparent contradiction was especially important to Neleman who wanted to explore all sides to the Maori.
Another photo displays a beautiful woman who has her back turned and looks over her shoulder at the camera, in a pose similar to models in fashion magazines. The only difference is that she displays the lip and chin tattoos unique to Maori women instead of lipstick and eye-shadow.
MOKO - MAORI TATTOOS brings the Maori into the spotlight for the very first time, and gives them a voice. This book is many things - a collection of beautiful and touching images, a contribution to a great cause, and a piece of history.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Hans Neleman is one of those rare and fortunate photographers whose commercial work is as aesthetically viable as their independent creative work and who are respected and sought out by commercial clients and art curators alike. His photographs have been exhibited in Amsterdam, Mexico, Chicago and New York City. Silence, an eagerly anticipated collection of Neleman's ground-breaking still lifes, is scheduled for release by Edition Stemmle in the Fall of 2000.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Tame Wairere Iti is one of the Maori's most important political activists. He is a painter and owner of an art gallery and has been the brain behind various spectacular political actions as a part of his lifelong struggle against the many lingering forms of colonialism.
Pita Turei is an independent film producer and writer. He is known as an insightful political commentator and has interviewed all the Maori portrayed in this book.
Nicole MacDonald began working for Hans Neleman as studio manager and production coordinator in New York in 1997. She wrote the award winning proposal for the moko project and was production coordinator while shooting in New Zealand.