Tyson says he 'didn't like the way my face was looking'

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Maori angry over Tyson tattoo

New Zealand (AP) -- Former world heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson didn't like the way his face looked before he got his new tattoo. In New Zealand, an expert on indigenous Maori facial tattoos doesn't like the way Tyson looks now.

Pita Sharples, a Maori expert on his people's culture -- particularly their facial tattoos known as moko -- said he didn't like seeing a similar design on Tyson, a convicted rapist.

The tattoo was "definitely Maori, but stylized," Sharples told The Associated Press. "I just wish it was on somebody else."

Sharples said he was more disturbed by British rock star Robbie Williams' arm tattoo "because there are definitely Maori characters of moko on his."

Maori warriors' traditional full-face moko has a set format with specific designs for the forehead, cheek, lips and mouth, Sharples said.

Tyson's tattoo -- a swirling design around his left eye -- was the center of attention at a press conference in Mississippi on Thursday ahead of his planned weekend bout with Clifford Etienne.

The American boxer said he got the tattoo last week, and there would be more to come. "This isn't even halfway done," he said.

"I just wanted to put something on my face," Tyson added. "I didn't like the way my face was looking."

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my cousin pointed out to me that these dudes are polynesian not maori... so hmm... well anyway the maoris look kinda like that.. thanks kelly..

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MOKO tatoos are cool as shit, the maoris used them to scare their opponents in battle.. its a sacred ritual, and they cant flinch when its being done.. which can take up to days to finish..
some moko links

http://www.tamoko.org.nz/

http://www.tattoos.com/jane/steve/polynesia.htm

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The following is a brief excerpt from Tattoo History: A Source Book, by Stephen G. Gilbert now available in print.

Tattoo History Source Book: Polynesia

by Tricia Allen and Steve Gilbert


Polynesian tattooing, as it existed before the arrival of Europeans in the South Pacific, was the most artistic tattooing in the ancient world. It had evolved over thousands of years throughout the islands of the Pacific and, in its most highly developed forms, was characterized by elaborate geometrical designs which were often added to, renewed, and embellished throughout the life of the individual until they covered the entire body. In beauty and complexity ancient Polynesian tattooing rivals the best work of modern masters of the art.

Where did it come from? And why was it so highly developed in Polynesia? For the answers to these questions we must look to the geography of the Pacific islands and to the history and culture of their inhabitants.

We can imagine the amazement of 18th century European seafarers when, after months at sea, they saw the tropical islands of the Pacific with their lofty volcanic peaks, wide valleys, fertile soil, lush vegetation, and secluded coral lagoons teeming with brightly colored fish. It was a stunning natural beauty of a kind never before seen by European eyes.

Isolated and protected from natural enemies, predators and disease, the Polynesian seemed the prototype of the mythical noble savage living in a state of innocence. The men were tall, handsome, phenomenally strong and courageous in sport and war. The women were sensuous, seductive and uncontaminated by puritanical inhibitions. Unlike the inhabitants of many other parts of the world, Polynesians did not spend their days struggling to obtain the bare necessities of life in a hostile environment.

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