Polynesian tattoos have been a customary art form that have been in existence for more than 2,000 years. The practice of creating highly intricate designs on the bodies of both men and women emerged at different periods within the chain of Polynesian islands. Much of what is now known about the technique has been pieced together by historians from oral traditions in the form of song, rituals and legends that have been passed down generationally. Popular forms include the tatau, uhi and moko.

Throughout the islands, the traditions that evolved were still very closely connected to the founding ideas behind the practice. Tattoos were commonly used to distinguish rank and title and also designated an individual's origins. Unique designs were created that became characteristic of specific groups within the Islands.

The art form fared well for centuries, being a custom that was highly regarded by the natives. The symbolism behind the carefully crafted conceptions held great significance to the men and women who viewed the practice as integral to their culture. Unfortunately, once the missionaries came to the islands in the late 1700's, the practice soon fell into disfavor. The missionaries considered the act uncivilized and demonic. In their bid to convert the natives from what they believed was barbarianism, the tradition was essentially annihilated on some islands. The people of Tonga, where these works once flourished, practically lost their connection to their past by the 19 th century once the art form was forced into submission.

The practice continues to this day on many of the islands although the original significance of each design has been lost in many places. Each island has sustained a style all of its own and many Polynesians have now reignited the practice as a means of reconnecting with their distinctive history. New ways of re-inventing the designs have been formulated and many indigenous tattoo specialists literally create narratives about their life and culture within the physical boundaries of the body art.

The application of tattoos was undertaken by a master, highly skilled in the art form. He was attributed with a title based on the specific island he plied his trade. In Hawaii he was known as the Kahuna, in Samoa he was deemed the Tufuga and the Tohunga in Te Waipounamu and Aotearoa. The master was accorded a deep sense of respect by the natives who revered the art form.

He decided who would be tattooed and the type of design that would be used. The creation of the motif was especially important. Its significance and indeed where it was placed was a responsibility that the master took very seriously. Each person that was eligible for the process was carefully instructed by the master artist. He would inform them of the preparations that had to be performed before the tattoo could be placed on the body. Often this would involve fasting, a change in the diet or abstaining from specified activities that would affect spiritual focus.

Because the tradition was highly sought after by natives, the master enjoyed special privileges and compensation. The elite among the natives were far more likely to be tattooed because of the rank they held and their place in society. This meant that the master was adorned with gifts and invited into the households of high ranking officials where he would remain until the process was completed. Typical tokens that were awarded to the master included beautifully woven mats and sturdy hand-crafted weapons.

But the master's life was not simply one of receiving great bounties and demonstrating his artistry. It was one that involved much self sacrifice. He was not generally permitted to have a family of his own as this would interfere with his work. In addition, he could not partake in certain lifestyle practices that would affect his overall craft. The master was not merely viewed as an artist but a spiritual guide in the process. A pure spirit was only attainable through the rejection of certain worldly indulgences. Additionally, his close connection to one of many deities thought to inspire creativity meant he had to express his gratitude by exhibiting spiritual purity.

The technique that was used since the art form first gained popularity still has not changed significantly. The master first chose the area on the body that would be tattooed after thoughtful consideration. A design was then marked out on the skin and segmented into sections. The outline was typically created using charcoal. To etch the design permanently in the skin, needles constructed from turtle shell, shark teeth, bamboo or bird bone were utilized. Each stroke was formed by tapping the skin, after which, the cut would be infused with a specific colour based on the requirements of the design. The ink was created from several natural liquids that included sugar cane juice, coconut milk, candlenut oil and other plant extracts that consisted of the properties needed. During the process of healing the tattoo could be made more prominent with the application of saps from various plants.

Not much is known about how the earlier natives dealt with the healing period after the tattoo was drawn. The first part of healing involved the use of sea water to rinse the area and free it of any foreign material that could become caught in the small incisions. It can be assumed that the master would advise subjects on how to treat their fresh tattoos wounds. Because the natives of the Polynesian islands tended to have a good grasp of natural based remedies it is likely that plant-based preparations were applied to aid the restorative process.

The art form still lives on today. Despite all the opposition that it was met with in the late 18 th and early 19 th century it has managed to remain a dynamic part of Polynesian culture. More interest has grown in understanding the designs and traditional meanings associated with the practice. While some of the earlier symbolism is now lost, native scholars, highly capable in the application of these tattoos, have made it their goal to perfect the art form and reclaim the lost pieces of their heritage. In a land that has been divided by outside interference, cementing that which belongs to the islands has become a necessary step in promoting their true culture. The art form is not merely an act of creating wonderful designs, but too pays homage to a way of life and a people united by a common ancestral bond.

All content protected by Walton Internet Law - Copyright strictly enforced - Do not reproduce without prior written permission