MOKOMOKAI THE BOOK / THE LECTURE.

By Maui Dalvanius Prime.

I decided to write a book to compliment the Documentary, not only to support the series but also because previous information about the subject matter has always been written by pakeha Ethnologists, Historians, and Anthropologists. For me all these books lacked human emotion. With the untimely death of the gentle giant MAUI WOODBINE POMARE and after listening to him wanting to write a book of his diaries and journals and in particular his work with the MOKOMOKAI I feel the time is right. For years I have been fascinated with Mummies. Egyptology is my favourite subject, in so much that I sleep in a bedroom full of Egyptian memorabilia. KING TUTANKHAMUN has adorned my bedroom wall since I was a child and our family heirlooms boast an exotic collection of Egytian Knick Knacks amassed by my late father a member of the 28th Maori Battalion who fought in CAIRO.

My favourite films are about Zombies, ghouls, vampires and the macabre. The old Tarzan movies, voodoo dolls and shrunken heads, they have always fascinated me. I remember when I was researching for a school project on TA MOKO and MOKOMOKAI I was always amazed when I brought the subject up with my grand parents and parents, I was told to be quiet, or "those things are best left alone in the past, They're TAPU". As I mature into the later years of my life the word TAPU I still hear used rampantly and I feel it is used as a word of convenience, especially if one doesn't want to discuss things pertaining to the past. Have you ever asked yourself why we sleep with our dead for 3 days and nights, or why do we have unveilings and hold on to the practice steadfast. I firmly believe that we have a right to know about our past good or bad. If one confesses to be a God fearing Christian, we are taught we will be held accountable for our sins. Should we then penalise our contemporaries for the sins of their forefathers let alone our own TIPUNA. In my book and in the documentary series I discuss the impact of colonisation, its effects on our cultural practices and beliefs and more importantly our changed attitude to our contemporary dead and our adoption of Western burial practices in todays society.

We the Maori attack the pakeha (white man) for handling our ancestral remains, many held in schools of science and study. Most of these ancestors we do not know let alone genetically connect to. Yet we hand over our dead today to the pakeha to embalm with preservatives, flush their blood and bodily fluids down the sewers to be mingled with aborted foetuses, discarded condoms,and the excrement of other ethnic minorities who share our land. This affluent then enters our rivers, waterways, eco systems and in some cases the water is being oxidated and recycled. We then partake of the fish and shell fish from these polluted waters and drink the regenerated water. Where is the TAPU we so proudly proclaim to practice and believe in? Surely the beloved MOKOMOKAI are beyond TAPU. After all were not pre European prayers (Karakia Tawhito) recited as they were being prepared. If they are the results of trade and commerce prepared especially as a form of money or barter, surely the same prayers and rituals were performed. Are we to suggest that the pakeha (Whiteman) is beyond the lore/laws of TAPU. Why did the ships not sink as sailors and adventurers took our ancestral heads to foreign shores? And when the late MAUI WOODBINE POMARE flew home accompanying many of our ancestral heads to their homeland, why did the plane not drop from the sky into oblivion? TAPU is a personal choice, no one has the right to put a TAPU on you but yourself.

The saddest thing about our urbanisation and colonisation is that we insult our contemporary loved ones by paying the pakeha, (Whiteman) up to $5,000 to handle and bury them. So Tauiwi is permitted to handle our contemporary dead but are not permitted to touch our ancestors, (KO IWI TANGATA and MOKOMOKAI), such hypocrisy. For me personally if it wasn't for Museums to hold onto these treasures from the past, they would have been lost forever. Here in New Zealand we now have skilled trained Maori working in our Museums and Halls of Science, and these institutions are much more attuned to Maori Tikanga. We now need to ask ourselves are we worthy of asking for let alone caring for these treasures if and when they return. Should they be repatriated, what then gives us the right to declare that these Taonga are relegated to a deep earthy pit. I have already instructed my family funeral director (he is a pakeha) that I do not wish to be embalmed, that the blood and bodily fluids from my body are to be drained into sealable jars and interred with my remains. Should I also have surgery, there are certain protocols I will instruct my physician to undertake. The TOI MOKO, MOKOMOKAI are our purest form of pre European preservation. As Barbaric the method of preservation may have been to some people, for the Maori of that era it was a functional practice. Like my beloved friend and mentor the late MAUI WOODBINE POMARE I believe the MOKOMOKAI, TOI MOKO should never be buried. Internment with tons of dirt piled on top of them is a western practice, and should we choose to resign them to that fate, it is our final admittance of colonisation. Why can we not interre them in an accessible walk in crypt, like the caves of our forefathers, and we today's Maori should be comfortable in viewing and studying them with the same respect and reverence we give our contemporary departed.

MOKOMOKAI THE BOOK, like the DOCUMENTARY series contains the korero I have had with the many people I have interviewed and come in contact with. It is full of the emotions and empassioned opinions of those people, but most importantly it includes the views of the scientists as well as Iwi and Hapu all who have been exposed to the Beautiful MOKOMOKAI directly or indirectly. That exposure be it brief or perpetual enriching our lives forever and we must not allow them to be lost again, ever.

INCLUDED IN MOKOMOKAI THE BOOK ARE:

Maui Woodbine Pomare, Tim Walker, Michael King, David Simmons, Andreas Reischek, Horatio Gordan Robley,Charles F Goldie, Gottfried Lindauer, Ra, Miria, and Louise Pomare,(The Pomare Family.) Sir James and Erima Henare, Kawiti Paraone Maihi, Hui Malama, National Maori Council of Churches, National Museum, Sir James Carroll, Tim Walker, Walter Waipara, Reece Rongonui, Te Raupraha, Weurangi Tapsell, Huna Broughton, Hareti Teki, Tama Iti, Rangi and Warren Warbrick, Rangi Skipper, Sonny and Geraldine Keepa, Dover Samuels, Tariana Turia, Tau Henare, John Walsh, Eva Rickard. Sir Paul Reeves, Jenny Shipley, Mary Bourke, Patea Historical Society, Tauranga Historical Society, Jessie Jackson Jr and Senior, Dr Craig Morris, Enid Schildkrout, Kwali Farbes, Paul Beelitz, Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association, Moana Maniopoto Jackson, Nanaia Mahuta, Helen Clarke,Syd Jackson, Mane Te Waiti, Tewarena Taua, Chery Sothern, Joe Douherty, Dr Cliff Whiting, John Royal, New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dr Robin Watt, British Museum, Museum of Mankind, Adolf Hitler, The Maori Queen, Te Atairangi Kahu, Sir Kingi Ihaka, Sir Graham Latimer, Neville Baker,Colonel Peter Awatere, Te Maori the Exhibition, Te Papa Tongarewa,Lucas Young, Daniel Crothers, Mary and Warwick Fry, George Port, Ko Huiarau,Taipare Munroe, Tipene and Gerard O'reagan, The Royal House of Windsor, Roger S Clark. Hui Malama, Craig Barry, Helen Clark, AND MANY MANY MORE.

NA : Maui Dalvanius Prime

Due for release July 2001 the commencement of the Maori Millennium.

Publishers Mokomokai Publications

MOKOMOKAI THE LECTURES.

After my return from my trip to New York it became apparent that although my trip gained a high media profile, our mission still had to be supported by the Maori and Pakeha at Community level.. This was to be a formidable task. The acceptance of Western culture has alienated indigenous peoples from their language and culture. We should also ask ourselves is this acceptance a preference and a necessity. Much of the earlier knowlege of our forefathers has been lost because it was considered inapproriate knowlege in todays society. The History of the Mokomokai is no acception. Were they Slaves ? Chief's ? Do they have a place in todays society? Yuk theyre so ugly! thats our savage past. No we werent cannibals! thats just a story the whites cooked up. Fact or Fiction.My Lecture tells the true story. As we search for our cultural identity we seek solace in our past and this knowlege is rightfully ours.. Our acceptance of colonised attitudes and values has seen a competiveness arise, tribe against tribe.There in lies our vulnerability and weakness. If we continue to have these attitudes toward each other we will never be a consolidated united Maori nation. Our tribalism is our self preservation.The preservation of Tuhoetanga is as important as the retention of Ngati Poroutanga, each of our peoples and tribes has its uniquiness.The need to retain our tribalism is Paramount. Tribal indifference to the Mokomokai has been just as fractioned. Some want them returned to Iwi to be buried, some dont. Some want them identified yet the indignity of DNA testing and our Tikanga would prevent this from happening. In todays Maori Society we sleep days and nights with our dead yet the thought of looking upon a dried Maori head sends shivers up our spines. Are these colonised attitudes. It has been with caution, that I decided to commence giving a series of lectures for the public. This has taken me to Librarys, wananga, pakeha and indigenous schools,scientific & historical societys and Universitys.. So far the lectures have been well recieved with many recalls. Many questions are answered and raised with this thought provoking lecture. I am avaliable for any organisation to make a presentation.The lectures are affordable.

FEE $100 per session These prices New Zealand Only. Payment by Cheque only (Made out to the Mokomokai Education Trust).

TRAVEL EXPENSES, (subject to milage a hire car where appropriate)

.ACCOMODATION. Plus Meals.

TECHNICAL requirements . One video player, and One overhead projector & screen. Where the audience is large a Microphone & sound system is preferred.

PHOTO COPYING To be printed out for all at your expense for all attending session

DURATION: 1 to 1 and a half hrs.

KAUPAPA FEE: Especially for Iwi and Non Educational facilities. (Price on application) This is all it takes to secure the Korero. You can phone us direct on 64 06 278 6883. or E mail us on dalvanius@bitworks.co.nz. Our Postal address Mokomokai The Lecture, PO Box 335 Hawera Taranaki New Zealand

LECTURE FEEDBACK.

Letter 1.

12th December, 1998.

I am a Trustboard member of Te Whare o Nga Puhi Whanau Ki Murihiku, I have had the privilege of being enlightened about numerous Preserved Maori heads situated around the world in various Museums by Maui Dalvanius Prime.

Mr Prime lectured our Whanau group on the 24th Nov 1998.. Many of thise in attendance have commented that at first the subject matter felt intrusive, intimidating and Tapu. feelings of uneasyness, anxiety and in some cases a fear of entertaining such korero/discussion were expressed.. I aslo had feelings such as these. During the Mokomokai discussions that were held by Mr Prime,sgeneral feeling of enlightenment was felt by all. As a representative I have been to surmise that if there were ever the opportunity for the heads to be returned that as a community group we would support those involved in such a wonderful task and assist in any way possible.Mr Primes presentation was very educational, thorough and professional. Now that I have seen the presentation I would highly recommend it be hosted by any and all groups organisations, schools, kura kaupapa, whare wananga etc.I can be contacted at any time fir further cimment on the above.

Mrs Myra Clarke,Te Whare O Nga Puhi Whanau Ki Murihiku,104 Doon Street, Invercargill, Phone (64 03) 218 8267

LETTER 2

: As per Discussion on PAE TAWHITI, Taranaki Feats, 29 July 1999: MOKOMOKAI.

"You shall Know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free"

Rapt Fascination by all who attend these sessions was the outcome as the MOKOMOKAI began to speak from places and times long ago, and far away. Dalvanius Prime (Maui) spoke with passion and Knowledge of his commitment to the task of returning these ancestral Taonga. (Treasures)

Such was his delivery that mere reportage would not do him or his subject justice, minds were changed, eyes were opened, and in many a desire to express support was evident.

For myself, I was left with a sadness that my fellow man would feel it right to own part of another man in any age

Which has disavowed slavery and torture.

Your work is important. Press on Kia kaha,

Thank you,

MIKE RYAN,

On behalf of Feats Taranaki.

Phone : (64 06) 278 1406

Letter 3 :

28th November 1998

As chairperson of the Urban Maori Authority of Invercargill I would like to make comment about the Mokomokai Presentation that Mr Prime gave at various venues mid November 1998..

My first impressions were not favourable because of the subject matter, however throughout Mr Primes presentation I started to feel at ease with what he presented and how he presented it.

By the time the presentation was complete I felt very comfortable to the point where I began to feel passionate about the possibility of the Heads being returned to Aotearoa in the future. I can see how many groups would hesitate to have a discussion or lecture such as this. However a Mokomokai presentation by Mr Maui Dalvanius Prime would be valued by anyone in attendance, I can assure you of that. I highly recommend it.

Witana Murray,Urban Maori Authority

Unit 5 # 45 Esk St ,INVERCARGILL,

Ph/ Fax 03 214 0097

Letter 4 :

12th August 1999 Ref: PRESENTATION MOKOMOKAI

This was an informative and thought provoking session which held the interest of both clients and Tutors. The information sharing about the preserved Taonga (Treasures) raised a number of Ideas, the most important

Of which, was wether or not these taonga should be buried?

Also, do we have the right to deny future generations the opportunity to view and gain knowledge from these unique images of our past?

Details about the method of preservation of the heads and the rituals associated with their display were explained. Aspects of this were the veneration of a loved one and the denigration of an enemy. Further comment revealed the "commercially driven" trade in Human heads.

The discussion was carried out in a relaxed manner, touching on the work of Horatio Gordan Robley, a comparison of the preservation of Jewish Skins and Heads by the Germans in the second World War and the question of the return of other Human remains from International galleries.

I believe that this session was fascinating and a valuable educational tool for creating awareness, not to mention a powerful expose of European contact with the Maori of Aotearoa.

WAVENEY BROUGHTON STEPHENS,

FACILITATOR PAE TAWHITI,

FEATS TARANAKI.

Phone : (64 06 ) 278 1406

Letter 5 :

"Greetings Mr Prime. If ever there was a need for all New Zealanders Maori and Pakeha to stand up and support your campaign to repatriate the Robley heads from the American Museum of Natural History, that time is now.

I wish to personally thank you for the sensative delivery of your lecture last evening and the premier of your wonderful music videoI. The Maori people and in fact all New Zealanders , should be proud of the work you are doing. You expressed however many were not supportive. I am saddened for their acceptance of colonisation. As a third generation pakeha New Zealander I make no apologies for my ignorance of Mokomokai. When I heard you were giving a lecture on the subject and after all the publicity about your trip, my curiosity got the better of me. I am happy my partener and I attended last evening. It was an informative, entertaining evening..

We have been into the Hamilton Public Library frequently since your visit, and your recommended reading on the subject matter. Our nights now consist of both our heads buried in as many books we can possibly find by Michael King, David Simmons and Robley. Did you know the Robley book has been reissued in soft cover. At $10.00 its a steal. I hope your lecture tour gains the support it richly deserves. If your audience find the lecture itself too heady, your Music video "Anei Ra" tells the entire storyline in 4 Minutes. (thank you for the copy) Even a miss informed pakeha like myself would be able to gleen the true meaning of your campaign from the crafty music video. I am truly enriched and informed by your talk. Congratulations on a splendid presentation.

Mrs M Hughes

P.O.Box 172, Te Awamutu, New Zealand

Ph: (64 07) 871 4680

Letter 6.

Dear Mr Dalvanius,

I wish to thank you personally for your Mokomokai presentation at our conference last week. Australians at the most are a hard audience to crack. Your humourous presentation however delivered to our members a subject matter which many found uncomfortable to accept let alone discuss. You certainly had the audience eating out of your hands. As we who were all present are involved in the Museum and Scientific field and Indigenous peoples rights, we found your talk very informative indeed. I know our Aboriginal Delegates can sympathise with your plight as they too have experienced the same attitudes from institutions in the past. We at CAAMA thank you immensely for your contribution to our conference. By the time you recieve this I would have left CAAMA and I will be back in Melbourne. I have given many years to the Aboriginal community in Alice Springs, however as an Australian of Jewish decent I hope I have passed on my skills to my successors who are full blooded Aboriginal. I am going to miss them all. Working in the Aboriginal Media has been a wonderful experience and I will have many treasured memories as no doubt you have in your campaign. I will endevour to book you a lecture tour in the year 2000 in SA and Victoria. Excellent work.

Richard Micaleff

1b Waiora Road, Caulfield North VIC 3161.

Australia

July 16th 1999