My passion for both the Maori culture of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the art of tattoo drew me into the photography exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem last winter and I was completely captivated by the powerful images created by Hans Neleman. These images are particularly powerful because they carry with them significant representations of personal and cultural identity, ancestry and history. The Maori Moko has been a traditional art form for centuries, recently revived as the Maori struggle to regain their ethnic identity and place in New Zealand society. “The revival of Moko for many of us is really exercising our rangatiratanga—our fundamental right to exist,” says Tame Wairere Iti (http://blog.art-tistics.com/?s=maori). The choice to take a moko for Maori is not just a personal statement, but a decision which involves one's family as well.
Hans Neleman, the dutch photographer of these images, had to seek special permission to capture the Maori Moko on film, which had previously been prohibited, and careful consideration has been given for the respect and preservation of the cultural tradition.
These two images had a particularly striking effect on me. I think the first image is beautifully raw and organic and projects the strength and beauty of womanhood. The second image holds a beautiful balance between tough and delicate, intimidation and innocence, father and son. Both images also show the influence of the Rastafarian culture that has intertwined with the Maori culture which I think is very unique.
~Chandra L.
Images retrieved from:
http://blog.art-tistics.com/?s=maori
http://www.neleman.com/site/book/moko/moko.html
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