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Maori Tattoo


Maori Tattoo
Photo Information
Copyright: Renier Figuracion (kiwi_explorer) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1960 W: 92 N: 2763] (12183)
Genre: People
Medium: Black & White
Date Taken: 2008-02-06
Categories: Ceremony
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): * more favorite photos (I) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-02-06 2:11
Viewed: 10593
Points: 107
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Today is a public holiday here in NZ to celebrate The Treaty of Waitangi. I took this shot during a public ceremony this morning. Wikipedia describes this historic occasion as follows;

"The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Tiriti o Waitangi) is a treaty first signed on February 6, 1840, by representatives of the British Crown, and various Māori chiefs from the northern North Island of New Zealand. The Treaty established a British governor in New Zealand, recognised Māori ownership of their lands and other properties, and gave Māori the rights of British subjects. However the English and Māori language versions of the Treaty differ significantly, and so there is no consensus as to exactly what was agreed to. From the British point of view, the Treaty gave Britain sovereignty over New Zealand, and the Governor the right to run the country; Māori seem to have had a range of understandings, many of which conflicted with the British understanding. After the initial signing at Waitangi, copies of the Treaty were taken around New Zealand and over the following months many other chiefs signed.

Until the 1970s, the Treaty was generally ignored by both the courts and parliament, although it was usually depicted in New Zealand historiography as a generous and benevolent act on the part of the Crown. From at least the 1860s, Māori looked to the Treaty, with little success, for rights and remedies for land loss and unequal treatment by the state. From the late 1960s, Māori began drawing attention to breaches of the Treaty, and subsequent histories have emphasised problems with its translation. In 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal was established as a permanent commission of inquiry tasked with researching breaches of the Treaty by the Crown or its agents, and suggesting means of redress.

Today it is generally considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation; despite this, the Treaty is often the subject of heated debate. Many Māori feel that the Crown did not keep its side of the bargain, and have presented evidence of this before sittings of the Tribunal, despite a contrary view from some in the non-Māori population that Māori pay too much attention to the Treaty and use it to claim 'special privileges'. The Crown is not obliged to give effect to the recommendations of the Tribunal, but nonetheless in many instances has accepted that it breached the Treaty and its principles. Settlements to date have consisted of millions of dollars in money and assets, as well as apologies."
edytungkal, gokanlam, tibervince, Matthew-Watt, snunney, Merline, ChrisJ, BennyV, Charo, Budapestman, japiey, zhelach, ls7902, grigand, MLINES, gunbud, AiresSantos, Photo65Net, ifanik, axiotea, siolaw, Clementi, gary91, dip, cunejo200, danos, Benedict, Atousa, noborders, zeca, ruisc_pt has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Renier. A man - a work of art. His hair-style is modern. A very interesting photo and an informative text. Best regards, Wolfgang.

Hi Renier,
The man with the tatto look amazing in sephia tones.. the light is nice too..Your notes about the ceremony are so informative..
Thanks For Sharing..
ReLa

  • Great 
  • paura Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4549 W: 8 N: 2985] (25221)
  • [2008-02-06 2:20]

Renier,
Very interesting shapes and gray tones in this portrait. The text is also very nice.

Regards

Paulo

Hello Renier,
Very impressive shot. I love the light and shadows but what draws my eyes is the texture on this face... without seeing the face of this man, you can imagine the proud expression, the toughness but kindness of his stare, famous with Maori people... great shot!
Greetings from bangkok!
Vince

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  • Paolo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4652 W: 146 N: 9145] (40237)
  • [2008-02-06 2:40]

Hi Renier, excellent view of this Maori guy, with the tatoos on the back. excellent POV, good use of that scale of ..silver tones, and an interesting note.
thanks, ciao

Hello Renier,
A fine black and white composition of this human artwork. Superb tones and clarity. Thanks for sharing.

  • Great 
  • jasmis Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2933 W: 621 N: 3240] (40263)
  • [2008-02-06 3:05]

Really great. Man-map or man-picture. Impressive B&W presentation.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards.

Hi Renier,
impressive image. You chose an interesting pov, showing many details of this intricate tattoo and the traditional clothes. I enjoy how one sees part of the man's face and expression with great texture. Beautiful bokeh and tonality of the b/w.
Very interesting note too...

TFS
Regards
Michèle

  • Great 
  • ChrisJ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 8565 W: 916 N: 11537] (57444)
  • [2008-02-06 3:36]

Hi Renier

A good cultural representation of Polynesian art & customs, in this superb b&w image. Excellent sharpness, tonal range, & contrast. Effective shallow dof, too. Tfs!

Great bl/w portrait and a wonderful note. This is an upload I appreciate much.

Benny

Hi Renier,
Good choice for black & white. There is a clear distinction between him & the background blur. Interesting contrast between silver illumination and gray tones. And very good informative text.

Best Regards,
Latiff.

Bonjour renier
belle photo démontrant la tradition de ces gens par le tatouage, belle composition.
Amitiés
Jean-Pierre

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  • Charo Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2637 W: 22 N: 5433] (21393)
  • [2008-02-06 4:25]

Hola Renier,
Gran retrato de este actor maorí y su tatuaje. Los detalles son estupendos y conseguiste excelentes contrastes de B/N. Gran POV.
Cordialmente
Charo

Hi Renier,
Splendid portrait with impressive composition, I like the interesting details, note is very infotmative. Very well done!
Have a nice day
George

Hi Renier,

Good shot, fine tones, and energetic looks.
Informative notes help a lot.
Thank you for this share.
All the best.

jean paul

Hello Renier!
Very interesting B&W photo and text! Nice body art! Good composition and details!
TFs, Regards, Zorica

Hello Renier,
Very impressive shot. Very interesting shapes and gray tones in this portrait. Very well done!
Regards,
Charles
Malta

Hi Renier,
black&white - helps to focus on the tattoo
blurred background - helps to focus on the tattoo
pattern from his clothings - helps to focus on the tattoo
the face from behind, only an idea of it - helps to focus on the tattoo
Strong composition in excellent sharpness and textures.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

Hi Renier, WOW, I really like this B/W capture, the clear sharp detail is excellent &, his rough face emerges even if we can not see it fully, you have portrayed the tattoo perfectly with very good light &, the drape of his clothing, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

Hi Renier,
Excellent shot, details is very very good, interesting picture, well done.
ciao
andrea

  • Great 
  • MLINES Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2035 W: 174 N: 2084] (9315)
  • [2008-02-06 12:59]

Hi Renier. Good close up of this tattoo. The guy looks pretty scary even from this angle. Most interesting notes about the Treaty of Waitangi. NZ is moving forward rapidly in equality stakes since i left in 1980, only worry is will the pendulum swing too far? TFS. Murray.

Une très bonne lecture d'images superbe en N/B A+ jpphoto

  • Great 
  • crckt Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1400 W: 68 N: 1315] (6835)
  • [2008-02-06 18:56]

Hi Renier,
WOW! This is excellent! What a tattoo! The POV that you have chosen works really well. Love the effect of B/W.
TFS.
Regards,
Shaeri

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  • gunbud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4607 W: 4 N: 4484] (20064)
  • [2008-02-06 21:11]

Hi Renier,
Very striking image with wonderful lighting that lays wonderful shadows and layers on your impressive subject. Razor sharpness to the Maori in his finely detailed dress and tatoo. Very informative note about the treaty of these two people who have co-existed in harmony.
Regards, Tom

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  • molla Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 657 W: 85 N: 861] (5627)
  • [2008-02-06 22:58]

Hej Rainer,
It's one amazing thing about the Maoris. (even if they still live under "different" circumstances ) rthey have became a part of the national proudness, much more then for ex. American natives. so in that way NZ is a vbery good example. your portrait of this warrior is excellent and very good in BW.
Anders

Hi Renier
A very good capture of the man with a modern hair style and a tatto.
Excellent details and a good use of the DOF.
TFS and greetings
Aires

Renier,
A great mood !
I like a lot the BW tones and how you caught the skin texture.
Nice job,
Regards,
JB.

  • Great 
  • efi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 249 W: 53 N: 390] (3877)
  • [2008-02-07 5:23]

hi renier;
i only can say vow to the tatoo at his back and on his face.do you have a front shot ?really a very interesting maori man.tfs..

  • Great 
  • daddo Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1796 W: 32 N: 1958] (8603)
  • [2008-02-07 13:55]

Hi Renier. Dramatic photo- although the B&W treatment creates a sense of tradition,I do think that the tattoo design is somewhat modern when compared to the intricate and swirling patterns of the olden days. I was at Waitangi and found that the site generated mixed feelings as the video being shown there does stress that many chiefs were prepared to fight till the end, while others recognized that they were facing an enemy whose numbers equaled the fields of grass.Nice homage to these brave and proud people. Regards. Klaudio.

  • Great 
  • Tue Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5185 W: 56 N: 7505] (24138)
  • [2008-02-07 13:58]

Hi Renier,
Very good photo and note, interesting to read about the public holiday and the Treaty. Good picture from the ceremony, great portrait with B&W that works very well. Also the light is enhancing. Thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

Hello Renier
A nice combination of light/shade contrast and a tight framing which are working well, to appreciate these traditional Maori tattoo and clothes. It looks like the man has applied clay on his face...The blurred BG creates a nice visual impact too!
Cheers
Marilyn

  • Great 
  • siolaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3881 W: 394 N: 6774] (23211)
  • [2008-02-07 22:19]

Hi Renier,
You found quite an interesting character here! But i think the history of the Maoris in NZ is quite sad.. My friend, a Maori lady, was separated from her family by force, in order to destroy the culture... and it was quite successful... She only met her sister after 40 years of separation... :-(( The angle, light and sharpness are good here, and his tatoo and clothes are a testimony of the ancient way of life.
BTW, the french prohibited tattoing in the Marquises islands too, and the art would have been lost if not for a German(or Dutch, i forgot) anthropologist, who recorded the ancient designs in the 19th century... it is now a big thing there!
Greetings
Laurent

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  • ifanik Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1643 W: 52 N: 3036] (16900)
  • [2008-02-08 0:27]

Gia sou Renier
Really wonderful photo
Very nice choice the b/w
Very well done
Best regards
Nick
soon**

Ciao Renier,
A good cultural representation of Polynesian customs,
great idea to shw this in black & withe ,
also the light is nice.
Your notes about the ceremony are informative
Giorgio

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  • vincz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2964 W: 85 N: 5038] (17528)
  • [2008-02-08 6:32]

Amazing shot. Excellent DOF, great textures. The choice of black and white is perfect here. Congratulations!

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  • gary91 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2163 W: 492 N: 3239] (14697)
  • [2008-02-08 23:23]

Hi Renier,
A very good composition enhancing this wonderful naive art tattoo. The b&w conversion is a bright idea.
Great art image, congratulations !
Have a nice weekend.
Best regards, Christian

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  • dip Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1561 W: 0 N: 937] (9158)
  • [2008-02-09 0:33]

Hi Renier,
interesting image well captured with good lighting and contrast,very informative note too,
well done!
Greetings,
Dimitris.

Hello Ren,
The composition and subject are quite suitable for b&w. A very interesting photo with informative Note. Best regards, Danilo

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  • danos Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3653 W: 84 N: 5517] (21510)
  • [2008-02-10 0:27]

Hello Renier,
extremely interest your note on the treaty of Waitangi.I thought that Maori existed only in Australia and in general lines that had recognized their rights as minority.Very nice this characteristic portrait of Maori minority with this tattoo on his back.Well done my friend.

have a nice weekend,Danos

Olá Renier

Muito interessante esta e curiosa esta foto. Ótima textura, luz e sombras.
Um belo trabalho, parabéns.
GA
Vera

hi renier,
ang mga ito ba'y related din sa mga aborigines ng OZ? the way i see magkamukha ang physical features nila, ah.
tunay na orig ang dating dahil pati ang damit nito ay gawa yata ng abaca at stalks ng palay, ano? the well detailed information gives a clear picture of what all this is about.
indeed, TE is the place to learn about the world...
okey naman siguro ang mag-comment at mag-critic sa ating wika, ano?
benedict

Hi Renier,
Perfect angle to show the artistic details of the Maori's cultural. That tattoo really shown the strong character of the Maori's men. Good choice of b&w format and thanks for the very informative note too.

daniel

Renier! So many beautiful, new photos in your gallery that to tell U the truth I didn't know which one to choose. I should tell sth about each one. But this one is very special for me...it shows the human being who's got his own rules, convictions, passion...
Its beautiful.
And the light is really stanning.

Kind regards, Agnieszka

  • Great 
  • Angshu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5233 W: 179 N: 8170] (26594)
  • [2008-02-12 19:51]

Hello Renier
Quite an outstanding shot from the back of the person with very strong & apt bokeh. The tattoo on his back is interesting with good play of light & shadows, but I loved the rugged texture on his face. The B&W tones are wonderfully done.
Regards
Angshu

  • Great 
  • Atousa Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 538 W: 16 N: 680] (2171)
  • [2008-02-12 21:23]

Salam Renier,
Its a great shot with great composition n framing..very interesting way of clothing n design .tfs
Regards,
AtousA

Hi renier
impressive tatoo. Impressive black and white for this unusual portrait.
Very nice
Bertrand

Hi Renier,

I was initially looking forward to the larger size after seeing the thumbnail, and was both pleased and disappointed at the same time. I love the detail in the man's tattoo and clothing, but the bokeh are just appears too fake to me here (as the edge along the profile of his face has this strange trim to it and looks like it was just overlayed on top of another fuzzy image).

Jack

  • Great 
  • azaf1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1662 W: 135 N: 2338] (10675)
  • [2008-02-22 2:25]

Hi Renier
This is really unique. Especially for us these are quite new experiences and views
TFS
Argiris

Hey. Just checking out your shots for the first time. A good not in cluded, struglle of powers and human rights.
Love the tat and the colour selelction. Well done. The subject is well positioned with a hint of profile which makes me want to see more of the mans face.

Hi Renier,
So happy to see some human beings in your gallery, and really interesting, beautiful photos : a fantastic one, here !
This looks like an ancient photo taken by some anthropologist, then I saw the date : from last month !
Splendid, congratulations, I'll add it to my 2nd favorites !
Best regards,
Cath.
(Was remininded of you thanks to TE's 1st page this morning, featuring "Otago, NZ" as featured destination with 2 photos from yours !)

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  • zeca Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3062 W: 162 N: 4438] (18574)
  • [2008-03-31 21:58]

Hi Renier! I don´t have any tatoo, but if I've decided to use it, the Maoris are my favorites. I like its designs. The graphism is very original an nice. Here you did a nice capture of this Maori, well presenting its back tatoo in a strong composition. Well done!
Regards,
Zeca

Nice catch with a a wonderful note about New Zeeland and its history.
TFS Renier.

It was nice to revisit your gallery just now... I like this one of the man's tattoo. Creative way to shoot, good use of light, and it works without the face to the camera.
Cheers,

Dave

This is a really impressing POV and bokeh. The accompanied not is also very useful.
TFS
Nick

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