Book a visual tribute to moko kauae

Tryphena Cracknell with her book Momo Kauae.

Exploring public perceptions of moko kauae (Maori chin tattoo) in contemporary art has been put together into one book called Momo Kauae.

The book drew together the work of 12 New Zealand artists as well as two poets whose influences are "visually powerful and a reminder of the strength and mana of the moko kauae", says author Tryphena Cracknell.

She is the curator taonga Maori at the MTG Museum in Napier and wrote the book to support the art exhibition called Momo Kauae held at the Hastings Art Gallery last year.
The exhibition brought to light various aspects of moko kauae.

She says there are still negative reactions to moko kauae here in New Zealand and internationally and she challenges everyone to learn more before passing judgment.
"It is a visible connection to whakapapa (genealogy) and to culture - it is clear that the women who wear it have a deep pride in that culture."

Cracknell believes there is still a place for moko kauae in modern times and that it is still relevant today but can sometimes be misunderstood.

"There is a lot of misuse out there such as advertisements or fashion, like that Gaultier moko which was pretty awful. I've even seen some dreadful Sims tattoos made to resemble moko as well," she says.

The book touches on its history right through to the various meanings that moko kauae can have to the wearer.

The book was named as finalist in the Nga Kupu Ora Aotearoa Maori Book Awards 2015.
"I feel really delighted to get the artists that were represented in the show out there - it was really about them and their mahi."

Cracknell hopes the reader will gain a new found understanding of this significant symbol of Maoridom and will learn to appreciate its beauty.

Exhibiting artists were: Reweti Arapere, Stacy Gordine, Robyn Kahukiwa, Matthew McIntyre-Wilson, Manos Nathan, Fiona Pardington, Aimee Ratana, Bridget Reweti, Vicky Thomas, Jon Tootill, Desna Whaanga-Schollum, Keri-Mei Zagrobelna.
The poets are: Bethany Edmunds and Hone Tuwhare.