Tradition Unbound: Tattoos beyond Polynesia Tattoos are the mark of the colonized other: the difference between the colonizer and the colonized is in the texture of the skin. Marc Blanchard, Post-Bourgeois Tattoo
As reports and images from European explorers' travels in Polynesia reached
Europe, the modern fascination with tattoos began to take hold. Although the ancient peoples of Europe had practiced some forms of tattooing, it had disappeared long before the mid-1700s. Explorers returned home with tattooed Polynesians to exhibit at world fairs, in lecture halls and in dime museums, to demonstrate the height of European civilization compared to the "primitive natives" of Polynesia. But the sailors on their ships also returned home with their own tattoos.
Native practitioners found an eager clientele among sailors and others visitors to Polynesia. Colonial ideology dictated that the tattoos of the Polynesians were a mark of their primitiveness. The mortification of their skin and the ritual of spilling blood ran contrary to the values and beliefs of European missionaries, who largely condemned tattoos. Although many forms of traditional Polynesian tattoo declined sharply after the arrival of Europeans, the art form, unbound from tradition, flourished on the fringes of European society.
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| | Machinery, design, and color led to an all-American form of tattoo. |
In the United States, technological advances in machinery, design and color led to a unique, all-American, mass-produced form of tattoo. Martin Hildebrandt set up a permanent tattoo shop in New York City in 1846 and began a tradition by tattooing sailors and
military servicemen from both sides of the Civil War. In England, youthful King Edward VII started a tattoo fad among the aristocracy when he was tattooed before ascending to the throne. Both these trends mirror the cultural beliefs that inspired Polynesian tattoos: to show loyalty and devotion, to commemorate a great feat in battle, or simply to beautify the body with a distinctive work of art.
The World War II era of the 1940s was considered the Golden Age of tattoo due to the patriotic mood and the preponderance of men in uniform. But would-be sailors with tattoos of naked women weren't allowed into the navy and tattoo artists clothed many of them with nurses' dresses, Native-American costumes or the like during the war. By the 1950s, tattooing had an established place in Western culture, but was generally viewed with distain by the higher reaches of society. Back alley and boardwalk tattoo parlors continued to do brisk business with sailors and soldiers. But they often refused to tattoo women unless they were twenty-one, married and accompanied by their spouse, to spare tattoo artists the wrath of a father, boyfriend or unwitting husband.
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| | Today tattooing is recognized as a legitimate art form. |
Today, tattooing is recognized as a legitimate art form that attracts people of all walks of life and both sexes. Each individual has his or her own reasons for getting a tattoo; to mark themselves as a member a group, to honor loved ones, to express an image of themselves to others. With the greater acceptance of tattoos in the West, many tattoo artists in Polynesia are incorporating ancient symbols and patterns into modern designs. Others are using the technical advances in tattooing to make traditional tattooing safer and more accessible to Polynesians who want to identify themselves with their culture's past.
FAQs
Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.
What does kakau mean in Hawaiian? ›
Hawaiian tattoo often mimics natural forms. Like other Polynesians, the Hawaiian people imported their traditional tattoo art, known as kakau, to the islands. It served them not only for ornamentation and distinction, but to guard their health and spiritual well-being.
Who was the first person to get a tattoo? ›
Ötzi has over fifty lines and crosses tattooed onto his body – the earliest known evidence of tattooing in the world - most of them on his spine, knee and ankle joints.
What is the scarring on the Maori face? ›
Moko is the name for a Māori permanent body marking. It was originally carved with bones creating a scarring on the skin rather than a tattoo made with a needle and ink. Each moko is unique to the wearer. It depicts the story of the wearer's family, their ancestral tribe, and their position within that group.
Is it okay for Christians to get tattoos? ›
It depends on who you ask. There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." So, why is this verse in the Bible?
What is the best Bible verse for tattoos? ›
A: If you are looking for Bible verses that have personal significance, consider verses such as "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13), "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10), "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31), "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the ...
What does Ho O Makaukau mean? ›
[Hoo and makaukau, ready; prepared.] To make ready; to prepare; to get in readiness for business or for a coming event.
Why do Hawaiians get tribal tattoos? ›
The practice dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous people of Hawaii. These tattoos were not merely decorative; they were a reflection of one's identity, status, and connection to the land and ancestors. Tattoos in Hawaiian culture held immense significance.
What does Shishi mean in Hawaiian? ›
Shishi: Urine or urination, used in "go shishi" or "make shishi". The Double-Tongued Dictionary gives three possible etymologies for "shishi": imitative from the sound of urinating, Japanese reduplicated shi from shiko "urinate" (sic., probably sh*to 尿 "urine"), or Portuguese xixi "urinate".
Where do tattoos hurt the most? ›
Most painful places to get a tattoo
- Behind the knee. ...
- Rib cage. ...
- Ankles, shins, knees and elbows. ...
- Head, face, and ears. ...
- Groin and inner thighs. ...
- Hands, fingers, feet, and toes. ...
- Inner bicep. ...
- Upper thighs.
'La Eme,' or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U.S. They're allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons.
What does the kiss tattoo mean? ›
A kiss tattoo can symbolize love, romance, friendship, and intimacy. It can also serve as a reminder of a significant moment in your life. What Does A Kiss Tattoo Mean? A kiss tattoo is an expression of love, joy, and happiness. It can also represent the unity and bond between a couple or family.
Which body part is sacred to Maori? ›
Māori people regard the head as very tapu (sacred).
Why do Maori press noses? ›
When Māori greet one another by pressing noses, the tradition of sharing the breath of life is considered to have come directly from the gods. In Māori mythology, woman was created by the gods moulding her shape out of the earth. The god Tāne embraced the figure and breathed into her nostrils.
What is the female name for a Māori face tattoo? ›
Tāmoko is worn on the face and body but the protocols for facial tattoos differ according to gender. Men receive moko kanohi on the entire face or just the lower half of the face, whereas women wear moko kauae on the chin and sometimes both the chin and lips.
What does the church say about tattoos? ›
In the Old Testament, we read from the Book of Leviticus the straightforward command, “ … do not tattoo yourselves” (19:28). The first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians explains that “ … your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit … ” (6:19).
What does the Bible say about touching yourself? ›
Like we mentioned above, the Bible never specifically mentions pleasuring yourself. It does, however, contain plenty of counsel and advice about how believers are meant to live a chaste and virtuous life, to strive to be like the Savior, Jesus Christ, and do what He would do.
What does the Bible say about makeup? ›
When we put on makeup, we need to careful that it doesn't become an idol. Scripture warns us that we should never focus so much on the outside appearance at the cost of neglecting our insides. When we do—it leads to more believe more lies, creates self-worth issues, and more sin.
What does Isaiah 44:5 say? ›
Isaiah 44:5 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel." This verse is part of a passage in the Book of Isaiah that talks about the ...
