Polynesian Society: Artifact 2

Ancient Polynesian Tattoos

     "The roles, techniques and motifs of the arts of the tatau, moko, and uni have continued to exist for over 2,000 years." In Tahiti, tattoos (tatau) were used to mark the different ranks and status' of those within their troupe. In the islands of French Polynesia (the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier, and Marquesas groups), each island group had its own unique design, so one was able to identify another person's origin based on their tattoos. "Some design elements that were common throughout Polynesia were linear geometric motifs, petroglyphs, and very basic pictographic representations of men, animals, birds, or other man-made objects." Each symbol had multiple meanings, depending upon the placement, on the body, incorporation with other designs, and the person being tattooed.
     The master or tattoo artist was highly regarded amongst society and was even respected by the sacred chiefs (ali'i/ariki). This was a highly trained individual was knowledgeable of both literal and figurative meaning of motifs, placement, and associated responsibilities and consequences. They determined what designs were appropriate and who could be tattooed when. The master would then explain the story behind that individuals tattoo.
     The process of tattooing has not changed much throughout the ages:
1. The design is marked and outlined on the body with charcoal or dark earth/dirt.
2. The master then begins to works with a needle, often made of bird bone, turtle shell, bamboo, and sometimes even shark teeth.
3.The ink is injected through multiple taps on and through the skin. Ink was usually made by mixing soot from a burned candlenut with a variety of liquids including candlenut oil, sugar cane juice, coconut water/milk, and other plant based liquids.
4. There is no healing ritual or process that is known of. It seemed that after being tattooed, people washed the wound in sea water and seeked proper medical attention.

Works Cited:
Information: "Skin Stories: the art and culture of Polynesian tattoo." PBS. Pacific Islanders in
      Communications, 2003. Web. 8 Sept. 2014
Picture: http://www.yvonnedevilliers.com/?cat=5