Body art is prominent throughout the Polynesian world. Each island group has its own distinct style - each with historic origins. However, the most refined and most famous of the tattoos are those of the Marquesan Islands.
The word 'tattooing' was first coined by Captain Cook and is the phoenetic transcription of the Tahitian word 'tatau.' The prefix 'tat-' means 'to hit.'
Men in the Marquesan Islands were often tattooed entirely - usually including the skull (which was kept shaven), and sometimes the eyelids and tongue. Women wore tempered versions - frequently on the earlobes, lower back, legs, and arms.
More than 400 design types have been documented, but the main source of inspiration was the tiki - a representation of an ancient Polynesian God. Ancient Polynesians believed that two sons of the God Ta'aroa were the first to use tattoos, for the purpose of seducing their sister.
On the island of Tahuata, in the village of Vaitahu, we paid a visit to Felix, the town tattooist. He explained many aspects of the tattoo's history, techniques, and its current form. Historically, tattoos would be applied with a sharpened piece of animal bone, injecting the pigment into the skin by tapping the back end with a mallet. This ancient tattooing process was very time consuming, and Felix told us that it is very painful.
The ink was made by burning a certain type of local grass and collecting the soot on the inside of an upturned coconut shell held over the flame. This powder was then mixed with coconut oil. The ink produced is dark black that reflects a blue sheen in the sunlight. All Marquesan tattoos are black, and do not integrate any colors into the design.
When the first European explorers arrived, the tattoo was a significant part of the local culture, as was nudity. As clothing was introduced and became more common, the tattoo's role in decorating the body declined. Over the past half century, the tattoo has re-emerged as a dominant form of expression. Each island (even within the Marquesas) retains its own style, nearly every adult wears tattoos, and the culture is very proud of its heritage.
Felix began tattooing over 30 years ago. He used to use a needle on a modified electric razor. However, about ten years ago, some tattoo artists from New York visited the island, were very impressed with his style, and subsequently sent him a modern set of tattooing implements. He gives tattoos on the porch of his home in the village, yet keeps a very tidy/sanitary environment for his tools and is mindful of diseases that can be spread by improper technique.
Felix is very proud of his work, and has a great deal of respect for tattooing in general. In all his years, he has never repeated a design and makes a great deal of effort to gain inspiration from the personality of the individual. He spends time talking to each person beforehand, and will not tattoo someone that he doesn't like.
Each village on every island has an artisan such as Felix. We're proud to report that the historic Marquesan art of tattooing is alive and well.
SWC
