The moko is a tattoo on the face and other parts of the body. Originally, it was done with a chisel, not a needle, to make grooves in the skin. Soot from burnt wood was used for the black colour. The moko was a mark of respect. Only people of high rank could have a moko. The design told the story of the family and the tribe. It was a sacred tradition like a religious ceremony.

　　So it is not surprising if some Maori were upset to learn at the weekend that this French man was on the cover of a gay magazine, with a moko design drawn on his face. Other photos inside the magazine showed him with a Maori taiaha, a traditional weapon.

　　He apologized and said he respected Maori traditions like the moko and the haka.

　　Maori designs and the haka are becoming more popular both here and overseas. Earlier this month, the Wai 262 report from the Waitangi Tribunal suggested it could be time to look at protecting Maori artistic and cultural rights. If it became illegal in New Zealand for non-Maori to copy Maori designs, how could we stop people overseas from doing this?

　　Vocabulary

　　The Waitangi Tribunal is like a law court. It looks at Maori land rights and other issues related to the Treaty of Waitangi.

　　chisel – a tool which you hit with a hammer to carve wood or stone.

　　grooves – deep lines cut in the surface

　　rank – a high position like a chief

　　Questions

　　1. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is a well-known proverb. It means that you should feel very pleased if someone copies or imitates your work. Do you agree?

　　2. Do you think non-Maori should be able to copy the moko or the haka?

　　3. Do you think Maori should be able to sell their cultural property like the moko or the haka?