Tattoos and Their Relationship to Polynesian Culture

They print signs on peoples automobile trunk and shout out this tattow- James Cook (Losch, 2003). What might his branch thoughts abide been upon anchoring at whiz of the Polynesian islands, seeing natives covered in endeavorings? What did the markings and purposes call up? Could he have wondered what the significance was, who did this to them, and what was use to place those markings on them. Although stains were ultimately banned, on that wind was an impact on the Polynesian shade hotshot could instruct unmatcheds rank, status, and origin base on the tattoos.Tattoos have existed on the Polynesian islands for over 2000 long time, Samoa be the oldest island in the Polynesian chain and Aotearoa-slash-Te Waipounamu organism the youngest of the islands that exertd tattooing. Although the Spaniards were the get-go to discover tattoos in Polynesia in 1595, the stgraphics-off written descriptions regarding tattoos did non appear for more or less two centuries (Tahiti T atou, 2007). Though there were differences betwixt the Polynesian islands that made each island alone(p) there were withal similarities that were shargond among all the islands. one(a) of the primary differences mingled with the tattoos on Polynesian islands was the handed-down label that were utilise for tattooing. For example, umteen of the islands used customsal names for tattooing such as Moko from the island Maori, Tatatu from the island of Tonga, and Tatau from the island of Samoa. In feature the term tattoo originated from the Polynesian word ta which means to require something and the Tahitian word tatau which means to mark something (Designbloom, 2000-2009). in that location were two basic form styles that were shared amongst all the Polynesian islands.The beginning design style was cognize as Etua and the second style was cognise as Enata (Hastings, 2009). The designs associated with Etua were of a strong spi rite nature, had a religious connotation, and we re looked upon as magical types that would return protection by the perfections. The designs associated with Enata were grime on natural designs which could be used to square off a natives status, role, genealogy, occupation, and identity. The pursual are some examples of symbols based on Polynesian design and their meanings (Hastings 2009). Sharks Teeth- Sharks teeth tattoos are for protection Turtles- A turtle symbol represents long life and fertility Tiki- The god Tiki is often shown with eyes closed. This is because Tiki is able to feel trouble before it is seen. Although Enata and Etua were unmistakable styles, the patterns and designs used by the various islands, and the septs of each island were distinct enough to set them ap trick from one another. The following was noted, Within the islands currently known as French Polynesia (the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier and Marquesas groups), the individual island groups or even individual islands had unique designs.Th us, it was practicable to identify a persons origins based on their tattoos (Losch, 2003). An example of the ability to identify natives based on their island of origin was the spiral melodic theme used by the Maori natives of Aotearoa-slash-Te Waipounamu. Not single was it possible to identify the island of origin it was also possible to determine the status that one held within the kinsfolk. The religious rite of receiving a tattoo normally began as one reached puerile years this was looked upon as a Lords Supper of pass long time into adulthood. Additional tattoos were added over beat the more a man was tattooed the more prestige he had (Opusmang, 2008).Tattoos played an consequential role in determining how one was looked upon within the tribe, tattoos were associated with wealth, strength, and power. Consequently, it was not uncommon for the chief, and the warriors to have the almost detailed, and prolonged tattoos. Additionally, Tattoos were so primal in the culture that those men, who were completely tattooed, known as tooata, were admired however, those men who were not tattooed were despised by their tribe (Tahiti Tatou, 2007). Tattoos on men were far more enormous then on women and included compound designs.The tattoos on Samoan mens t luxuriouslys were so extensive that it almost appeared as though they were clothed. Additionally Samoan men had a tattoo that was referred to as a pea which covered their thighs, buttock, lower back, and think with a piece around their naval. contrasted the design of the female referred to as malu, which was a lace webbing design, the design of the pea was a solid pattern. As strange to males, the tattoos on females were generally located on the hands, feet, arms, ears, and lips (Tahiti Tatou, 2007).Women of wealth were allowed to have their legs tattooed if they chose to do so. There were additional differences that related to men and women when it came to tattoos. One such difference related to Tahit ian women, it was common confide for them to have a deep blue hue on their loins and buttocks. Another common practice occurred when a young girl reached the age of 12, her right hand was tattooed, at which point she was allowed to prepare forage, and join in the ritual of rubbing coconut vegetable oil on deceased members of the tribe (Tahiti Tatou, 2007).Traditionally males were the most decorated members of the tribe however this was not the case on Fiji and Tahiti. As a matter of fact it was the exact paired the females were required to have tattoos. The first tattoos that a young girl certain were mark on the inside of her arms, she was then deemed bump of food taboos, and was then allowed accept food from others (Opusmang, 2008). The island of Samoa could very well have end up with the same usance as Fiji and Tahiti if not for two Samoan sisters who realised their training in Fiji.Upon their return pillowcase from Fiji the Samoan sisters, who were credited with bringi ng the art and ritual of tattooing to Samoa, somehow managed to reverse the tradition (Losch, 2003). Thus it appears a untested tradition was started quite by accident, which solvinged in the extensive and intricate tattooing of the male natives on Samoa. This new tradition was adopted by many of the Polynesian islands. Tattooing was considered a ritual that was preceded by a ceremony. The preparation that led up to the ceremony was quite elaborate, a stoppage of cleansing was required one was judge to fast and abstain from contact with women during this period.The art of tattooing was described by Dr. ROLLIN in this room The patient was immobilized most frequently in a sort of vise cool of two trunks of banana trees among which he was attached and held tight. The tattooer, accompanied by his assistants, sang a sort of chirp of the occasion syncopated to the rhythm of the tapping of his little mallet. Each drop of blood was rapidly wiped up with a scrap of tapa, so that no ne be allowed to fall to the ground (Tahiti Tatou, 2007). The ritual was very botherful and could go on for several days or weeks.Specific tools and dye were created to perform the ritual act of tattooing. The tools were created out of either bead or tortoise shell. The implement was shaped into a comb with needles on the end, which was attached to a handle. The dye was created from the soot of burnt lacquer tree which was mixed with water or oil (Tahiti Tatou, 2007). The tool was dipped into the dye the needles were laid on the persons body and tapped with a mallet, which transferred the dye. This process was repeated many time until either the individual could no longer take the pain or the sun went down.Nevertheless, it was continued the following day, and many days there afterwards until the design was complete. do the act of tattooing members of ones tribe was considered a sacred act which was performed by a master or a shaman. In most instances it was the master or shama n that determined the type of design, who would receive the tattoo, and when (Losch, 2003). In fact they were highly trained, informed of the meanings of the designs, and highly proficient in the proficient art that was involved. As a result, the master or shaman was held in high esteem by all members of the tribe.The practice of tattooing tribe members went on for many years until the comer of missionaries in 1797. Soon after their arrival tattooing was banned by the missionaries, it was deemed to go against the Old Testament and was forbidden by Christian churches. Consequently tattooing remained on the fringes of society, in other cases the art of tattooing completely died out, as occurred on the islands of Tonga and Rapanui. As a result many of the original designs were thought to be lost when missionaries banned tattoos after their arrival in the in 1797.Ironically traditionalistic Polynesian tattoo designs are reappearing overdue to over 400 notes and drawings that were do ne by a missionary named Karl Von Steinen (Tahiti Tatou, 2007). Prior to the ban of tattoos by missionaries in 1797 tattoos played an important role in the Polynesian culture. Tattoos had a direct impact on tribal hierarchy. In fact it was possible to determine the island of origin and the status one held in the tribe based on the design of the tattoos, the locations of the tattoos, and the number of tattoos that covered the body.There were, in fact, differences between male and female members of the tribe when it came to determining the location of the tattoos, the designs of the tattoos, and the quantity of tattoos. The fact that individuals were willing to endure such pain over many days or even weeks is an indication of how important tattooing was to the Polynesian culture. Try to imagine the pain associated with being tattooed, the only choices available are to start with the tattoo or risk being shunned, ostracized, and despised by the tribe.