RANGIROA, French Polynesia — The origins of Polynesian tattooing go back to the first waves of migrations from Southeast Asia. The first traces of tattooing in Polynesia date back 2,000 years! The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word "Tatau" in traditional Maori society.
Traditional tattooing tools included a small bone comb, a piece of tortoise shell, and a fishbone. The ink was produced from charcoal or candlenut tree and diluted in oil or water. Ancient tattoo artists were highly respected members of society with a status equivalent to that of priests.
Ancient Polynesian people didn't have it in words – tattoos were the only way to communicate their status, family ties and even their passions. Unlike the modern fashion of body art, traditional Polynesian tattoos were a powerful means of communication and expression.
Polynesian tattoos represent the good “Mana” wisdom, a spiritual energy and healing power. Tattoos were considered a gift from the gods. Certain designs were specially conceived to protect the wearer and preserve his Mana. They represented prestige and the divine spirit that guaranteed good health, well-being and fertility.
A tattoo could take months to complete and was a harrowing experience. Men who couldn’t put up with the pain and didn’t allow their tattoos to be finished were often marginalized.
The position of a tattoo on the body was also important and had an effect on its significance. The body was considered the link between heaven and earth.
Polynesian body art is strongly linked to the environment, using images from their daily lives. Animals are common symbols in Polynesian tattoos, like birds, which represent freedom, travel and spiritual guidance. Sharks are revered as symbols of power, protection, and fearlessness.
“When you have a turtle on yourself, it means that you are open-minded,” said Moetini Tihoni from Motu Fara Private Island. “The animal who was traveling all around the world is the one who's bringing peace.”
Every island in French Polynesia has unique designs, one of which is practical and world-famous for its details – the Marquesan tattoo.
“It's really yourself you're putting in your tattoos,” said Tihoni. “An emblem from the island we are coming from.”
Sponsored by Air Tahiti Nui.
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