Skin Deep
THE ART OF POLYNESIAN TATTOO
It might be hard to imagine the connection between a thickly inked tattoo on the arm of a college student and Polynesian tattoo practices, but the former could not exist without the latter. Like many cultures around the world, the art of tattooing indigenous to the islands of Samoa, Hawaii, and New Zealand dates back centuries and is enjoying a revival of sorts with the popularity of tattoos throughout the Western world. Yet Samoan tatau, Maori moki, and Hawaiian uhi have existed for more than two centuries as cultural markers as well as forms of art. Each share common techniques and motifs, from needles carved from sharpened bird bone or turtle shell to ink made from crushed charcoal and juices of native plants. Within Polynesian societies, the tattoo artist (usually male) was held in high esteem by the community and governed the tattoo process through a strict code of protocols and rules. Tattoo sessions could last from one day to a few months, depending on the occasion and the initiate’s pain threshold. Tattoos served as markers of wealth, political and social standing, age, marital status, tribal affiliations, or as simple adornments. Only the teeth and eyes were exempt from the tattoo needle!
A contemporary “tribal” tattoo takes inspiration from the earliest Polynesian tattoo designs.
With the arrival of European explorers to Polynesia during the 18th and 19th centuries, tattoos became taboo. The resurgence of Polynesian tattoos among indigenous cultures began in the late 20th century despite the dominance of European culture. Whether they function as signifiers of one’s heritage or to commemorate a late-night drunken escapade, tattoos continue to visually intrigue us with their mix of artistry and complex heritage. —SBR