NOTE: This is part four of a thirteen part article. Enjoy!!!
Part IV – Tribal Tattoo
Black and White; the Ying and Yang
The art of tribal tattoo, the permanent adornment of ones skin, speaks loudly of Polynesian culture. Tattoo is art. It expresses emotion, accomplishment, seduction, social status, bravery, and on a higher level; the perception of a universe in balance. Large areas of black and white express two opposite poles, the ying and yang of Polynesian life.
Attractive large scale tattoos cover shoulders and arms
According to Polynesian folklore, tattoos were invented by the two sons of the god Ta’aroa. The two sons wished to gain the trust of the guarded maiden Pahio so they could seduce her. The tattoo design Tao Maro was invented to attract her. Their seduction was successful and she also received the same tattoo. The two sons, Mata Mata Arahu “marks with charcoal” and Tu Ra’Po “lives in dark sky” taught the art of tattoo to the mortals. These patron gods of Tattoo are always remembered before a tattoo session so that the tattoo will be successful. The recipient and tattooist wish for a tattoo that heals fast and for a pattern that is pleasing.
The process of getting a high quality tattoo in ancient Polynesia was restricted to the upper class tribesmen. Only Polynesians with wealth could afford to get the best tattoos. Their tattoos were status symbols, helping to attract members of the opposite sex. The tattooist called Tahu’a had great social status. Tattoo artists were apprentices for many years before achieving a popular reputation.
The comb is immortalized in many tattoos
In ancient Polynesia tattoos were applied with a sharp comb made of bone or shell. Polynesians used bone from a variety of sources including animal, human, bird, and fish. The comb symbol can be seen in tribal tattoo art. The sharp comb was dipped in black pigment made of soot or vegetable matter. The skin was penetrated with the sharp bone edge by tapping the comb with a mallet.
Young boys and girls received their first tattoos just before puberty. This was a painful right of passage and the recipients tried to be brave. Besides being art, tattoos functioned as a personal history or a Polynesian’s scrapbook of life. New tattoos were added to commemorate the life events of an individual. Successful individuals, especially men covered themselves from head to foot. Tattoos also had special functions. Warriors startled opponents by revealing tattoos of large eyes under their arms. Sadly, little is known about the ancient art of tattooing. How did a people so rich in culture and art nearly disappear?
More to follow, Part V is on its way. Suzan
