I have been seeing the new gear from Yellowman YXM and the graphic Polynesian and Moari motifs being used.

FYI the Maori motifs are the Maori Dragon jersey and the Maori stripe bolero. The Maori are the orginal settlers to New Zealand, mainly arriving by canoe from Polynesian islands. They are quite different however to the Polynesians culture wise and are very proud of their heritage.

Maori elders have been known to get very upset about the wise of Maori designs as they have special meanings. Especially by companies trying to cash in on the Maori name. For example Maori cigarettes.

I find it interesting that this American company has decided to use Maori designs (and Celtic, Polynesian and Indian Henna) and don't seem to have any link to New Zealand at all.

I also am amazed at the Maori dragon- ummm there's no dragons in Maori mythology. There's a monster called the tangiwha and to be honest it looks like they have taken a Celtic dragon and stuck it on the back of the jersey.

I feel that it's OK to use designs but only if used in a manner that doesn't despoil the orginal artwork. Also I feel that sometimes that there needs to be a link from company to country and not just because some graphic designer googled or saw something and went "that looks great" epecially if there's culture tradition or heritage attached. I think the use of 'henna" is probably OK as it doesn't really say "Indian" but these items are called Maori.

How do you feel about this?

BTW I really like the look of the gear- well done for doing something different.