Polynesian Traditions
IMHO, some of the most exquisite tattoos come from the intricate designs of polynesia and this ranks as one of my fav pic as it symbolises one of the oldest traditions of indigenous people.JJ's beautiful tattoo is a mixture of tahitian and hawaiian design and took over three hours to complete. The Maori facial tattoo and Samoan chief tattoos are also equally impressive. The process of getting one done in the traditional manner can also be excruciatingly painful. For the pain fearing faint of heart who still enjoys body art, Henna is another option you may consider.
posted by Kala at Tuesday, June 13, 2006
17 Comments:
You always leave great information... and pictures. Thanks. -Ryan
The traditional patterns are certainly more beautiful than the more common modern tattoos. I love this photo.
Thanks Ryan :P
Aggie - I have to agree on that =)
Louise - that is correct - you must be from Aotearoa ;)
If you have a chance, I'd love to see a photo of Maori facial tattoo - that would be so kewl.
cool design at the shoulder! i've no guts for the painful process ..
Great picture, and not just a beautiful tattoo... (Say hi to JJ!) =)
beautiful tatoos!!
I agree those tattoos are much nicer than some of the modern ones.
Looks cool! I guess if I would have myself a tatoo made I would go for henna.
Real beautiful tatoo, and it means something which makes it even more special.The more I see of your beatiful country and learn of it's traditions the more I want to come and visit.
Nice blog!
I agree with Moonsoleil! ;)
I've seen worse....
LOL
I agree with moonsoleil too!
I agree the traditional patterns are more flattering, especially on tanned skin...
Love it! I do wonder if:
A)You personally know this person
B)He knows we are all admiring him (oh, I mean his tattoos) on your blog?
hi sarah - thanks for asking - JJ was really kewl about it - so far, knock on wood, peoples been pretty kewl - my friends are the most awkward to ask for myself, so I don't do it much unless there is a compelling reason. I really wanted to show this particular pic because for polynesians, and I am sure probably with other indigenous groups, the Tattoo is not merely a body art but symbolizes power, status, family roots and ties and lineage to the islands... a sense of pride - ha'aheo and connection to the mother earth.
I don't know if people noticed - I posted a pic back in may with four people in it and although they were totally kewl with the pic being posted, the shadow and lighting on one of the faces distorted the look and thus I decided it did not do the people justice and removed it.
JJ's body art is beautiful! But then so is JJ ;-)
I've seen a lot of the younger Heiltsuk people getting native design tattoos although they are not, as far as I know, done in any traditional style of tattooing. The designs, however, are images such as one would see on a "big house", dancing blankets, masks, bowls, etc... I'd been debating whether to ask for pictures of such tattoos for my site. Maybe I'll be bolder now.
You can see one on my flickr page here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deetsa/165468712/
It has a native West Coast design which also incorporates the basketball design. The bearer is on the women's team.
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