Can I take a Photo of the Marae?

Robertson, Natalie. “Can I take a Photo of the Marae? Dynamics of photography in Te Ao Maori.” UNFIXED Photography and Postcolonial Perspectives in Contemporary art. Edited by Sara Blokland and Asmara Pelupessy, Japsam books, 2012, pp. 97-105

“te Ao Maori is understood as the socio-cultural and spiritual world of Maori people. This world has been forever changed by European expansionism and British colonization.” 97

“Things that are sacred ought not to be treated in a way that can render them mundane.” 100

This was a great reading to understand why Maori don’t want people taking photos inside the Marae. There is a fear of it being commercialised and misused as well as their belif that an images or carving of a face holds the spirit of whoever’s face it is so don’t want to spread it. It is interesting because it is something I never would of considered but it is also very important because it exemplifies the importance of asking as to not offend. Respect is the most important thing when dealing with other peoples cultures.