Traditional
tattoo: A Polynesian way to own your own identity
Tattoo—Depending on the listener’s
age, experience, and, yes, culture, the word can stir up a
variety of emotions. Young people today tend to be excited
by tattoos and are usually positive about getting them. Older
people tend to be negative about them and appalled at the foolishness
of youth. [More]
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Aisea
Photo by Grace Liao
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A
history of “Tribal style”
by Grace Liao, Arts & Entertainment
editor “Tribal
style” tattooing can refer to any of a number of
established styles for permanently marking the body. Most
commonly, all these styles are primarily monochrome, being
black and skin tone in nature. A lot of the inspiration
for modern tribal tattooing can be found in the traditional
designs of Pacific Rim and Southeast Asian cultures. Ritual
tattooing was found throughout island cultures, most of
them created with elaborate hand techniques producing designs
of surprising complexity and graphic boldness.
As there is no writing in the Polynesian culture, the Polynesians
used this art, full of distinctive signs, to express their
identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status
in a hierarchy society: sexual maturity, genealogy, and
social rank. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society
was tattooed.
Tattooing was begun at adolescence. Teenagers (around 12
years) were tattooed to mark the passage between childhood
and adulthood. Different tattoos were added with the passing
of years. The more a man was tattooed, the more prestige
he had.
Tattooing was not only a sign of wealth, but also a sign
of strength and power. Therefore chiefs and warriors generally
had the most elaborate tattoos. Men without any tattoo
were despised, whereas those whose bodies were completely
tattooed (the to‘oata) were greatly admired.
Girls’ right hands were tattooed by the age of twelve.
Only after tattooing were they allowed to prepare the meals
and to participate in the rubbing of dead bodies with coconut
oil.
The tattoos of women were less extensive than the tattoos
seen on men; generally they were limited to the hand, arms,
feet, ears and lips. Women of rank or wealth might also
have their legs tattooed. |
