And 'one of the strongest expression of Polynesian culture. The
word tattoo comes from the Tahitian tatau (affecting the skin with
indelible marks), which itself derives from the legend of Tohu, the god
of tattoos: the legend of Tohu painted beautiful colors and designs all
the fish of the sea, without first colors.The European navigators of the eighteenth century told of this practice, hitherto unknown in Europe. Then,
when European missionaries arrived in Polynesia, banned the use of
tattoos (and many other elements of Tahitian culture, such as dance).
In
ancient civilizations Polynesian tattooing had many meanings: it was a
symbol of belonging to a group or clan, was a social recognition, was
also part of the initiation ceremony for the transition from adolescence
to adulthood. So the person performing the social status and the evolution of his life adding tattoos to his body. He
was also part of the courtship between men and women, and was used by
warriors to take on frightening aspects (such as the Marquesas Islands,
where the warriors were tattooed wide horizontal stripes in the face).
The construction techniques used comply with strict rules and patterns. Only the tattoo masters guild members could make tattoos, having passed a long apprenticeship. Were used for tattooing pieces of bone were obtained from which combs, which were immersed in pigment blacks obtained by mixing water, soot and natural pigments. The stick-bone dipped in pigment was beaten with a hammer to send the substance under the skin. The reasons were mainly used abstract geometric forms and stylized animals and plants. While women are tattooed ears, abdomen, wrists and ankles, the men are tattooed shoulders, back, chest, calves and thighs.Today in Polynesia there are only less than 30 professional tattoo artists, with machinery and sterile needles. There are also dozens of amateur tattoo artists who use electric razors modified for tattooing. If you decide to tatuarvi, choose a professional, after seeing the book of his work. The choice of tattoo is something special, because it engages all his life. If you do tattooing in Polynesia, try to choose traditional motifs, which are often better achieved by other reasons not to eat and have a more authentic look. In addition to aesthetic beauty, consider the symbolic value that the tattooist will explain you.
The seat to achieve the tattooThe area of skin chosen for the tattoo is cleaned and disinfected. Some tattoo artists now working hand free, while others realize the pattern on paper first and then reproduce it on your skin with a cast. Before you delneano contours, which are then filled with ink. The pain depends on the part of the body. The most sensitive areas are those with thinner skin, such as the inside of the arm or thigh, or those closest to the bone, such as tibia and spine. The pain is still bearable, and you should not take aspirin, which thins the blood. Once the tattoo, bisonga spread on the skin a greasy cream for several days. Will form a crust for a week or two. For this period we must not expose the tattooed area to sun and sea water.
