Ta-Tau.... Tahitian tattoos
So, at the moment, our journey into the origins of tattooing in Polynesia has not confirmed that this form of art originated on any of the islands. Evidence in Petroglyphs, notes preserved by European explorers, and oral narratives of the Polynesians themselves attest to the fact of their arrival, which created a new tradition and culture of tattooing. In 2017, a canoe named “Hokulea” completed a world-wide voyage using only ancient shipping methods.
It is wonderful to know that the ancient Polynesians, who closely studied and observed nature, were able to draw these paths across the unfathomably vast, dynamic, living ocean. To fully conclude our oceanic journey, let's find out what T. Cook took from the inhabitants of the Tahiti islands to Europe, bringing us a new form of indigenous art.
The word "tattaw" was first used in the published account of Captain Cook's first voyage, which appeared in 1769. It has been suggested that "tatau" is an onomatopoeic word. "Tat" refers to hit in the skin by the tattooing instrument; "au" to the tattooed person's cry of pain :)
The origin of the English word "tattoo" actually comes from the Tahitian word "tatau" as early as 1500 BC. In ancient Polynesian society, almost everyone was tattooed. It was an integral part of ancient Tahitian culture and was much more than a body adornment. Tattooing indicated genealogy and place in society. A sign of wealth, strength and the ability to withstand pain. Captain Cook and others returned from their Pacific voyage with stories of exotic islands and "savage" cultures indulging in erotic dances and strange rituals. One of these rituals was tattooing.
The tradition of applying a tattoo or tatau by hand. The tools and techniques have changed little. The skill is often passed down from father to son, each tattooer, or tufuga, learning the craft over many years working as an apprentice to his father. A young artist in training would often spend hours and sometimes days punching designs into sand or bark cloth using a special tattoo comb.
Traditional tattooing involves the creation of traditional tattooing tools called tatatau. The tools consist of a comb with 3-20 needles and are carved from bone, shell or shark teeth. The tools are made just for you, used only for you. To create a traditional Tahitian tattoo, it requires two artists, one to stretch the skin and one to perform the tattoo. Traditional tattooing was banned in 1986 by the Tahiti-based French Ministry of Health due to difficulties in sterilizing the wooden and bone equipment but was allowed again in 2001. There are only a handful of artists left in Tahiti who still practice this art form.
Basically, Tahitian tattoos are based on 4 symbolic elements (ocean, earth, wind, fire). Various symbols are associated with these elements. In ancient Tahitian society, tattoos represented a person's genealogy and social rank. There were symbols specific to certain families and symbols unique to different industry roles.
Enata - These are human figures that are often incorporated into a tattoo to represent family and relationships. Enata figures can symbolize ancestors, siblings or children.
Tiki - Tiki is a prominent figure in Polynesian mythology, representing the first man. Tiki symbols are incorporated into tattoos as protective talismans. Shark Teeth - Shark tooth patterns, known as niho mano, are a common design element in Polynesian tattoos. They symbolize strength, protection and adaptability.
Sun and Ocean Waves - The sun and ocean waves are often depicted in Polynesian tattoos, symbolizing life and rebirth.
Spearheads and turtle shells – These elements are integrated into tattoo design to reflect courage, strength and longevity.
P.S.
In conclusion, Polynesian tattoos are more than just works of art :) They are a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. Their enduring appeal and symbolism continue to shape and influence modern tattoo culture. You, who proudly wear these designs on your skin, are living proof.
We are moving on! The islands of Oceania are not the cradle of tattoos, let's return to the continent by looking at Indonesia and Asia - perhaps the origins of tattooing traditions are hidden here.