Tattoo art in Salem

In this post local photographer and theSalemInsider.com contributor Forrest Frazier tells us about a new photography exhibit at the PEM.

No this isn’t an article about the Purple Scorpion or the soon to open Witch City Ink, it’s about some beautiful photographs, the Peabody Essex Museum and moko.

(c) Hans Neleman

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo

Open now and running through February 2009, the PEM is showing a photographic exhibit by Hans Neleman which delves into the Maori recapturing and embracing their cultural identity which was stolen from them under British rule. Neleman gained the trust of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand photographing the resurgence of moko and witnessing the revival of the Maori language.

What is moko?

Traditionally the Tā moko is the permanent body and face marking by Māori. It is distinct from what we think of as tattoo’s in that the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) rather than punctured with a needle. Using an uhi (which looks like a back scratcher made from albatross bone) leaves the skin with grooves, rather than the smooth surface people with modern tattoos have.

Moko is a rite of passage, a road map to the wearers life. Each part of the moko is distinct and tells of the persons tribe, family and status in society. As such, each is unique and can be read by others, it is an outward profile of who you are. Moko can be worn by both men and women however, women tend to have only their lips and chin done while men do the entire face.

About the photographs.

As a photographer and having read Neleman’s book Moko–Maori Tattoo I can tell you that his use of large format photography to capture minute detail works wonderfully with his natural ability to connect with a subject. Many of his images are captured in a studio, not the natural environment for the average person. Yet he is able to put them at ease and allows their personality to show through. It is as though you can see through time and look beyond preconceived anachronistic notions.