Vêtements et linge de bain
inspirés des arts et cultures
des anciennes civilisations

Création - Impression - Broderie Made in France

THE POLYNESIAN TATTOO

Quality and aesthetics of these magnificent patterns

The tattoo, which is praticed all over the world today, has diverse origins, but the origin of the word is Polynesian : TATAU. It's the onomatopoeia of the rhytmic beating of the wooden tattoo mallet on the tattoo comb that the shaman used to engrave patterns into the skin.

The art of the tattoo is indeed intrinsically linked to the Polynesian culture. It can be translated as « that which is most profound in man ».

In a world of oral tradition, tattoo images were bearers of knowledge, memory, teaching, and they reflected social rank. They related to natural elements, plants, animals, human nature and legends, but most of the spiritual meaning has disappeared today. It was at once an initiation into the world of men and a barrier against evil.

The origins of the tattoo are unclear : they go back further than the first traces of the Ma'ohi civilization and they are lost in the mythic period of Polynesian Genesis.

In Tahiti, because of the influence of western religion, the tattoo technique became so obsolete that no one was able to do it anymore.

As a testament to a deep affirmation of identity, a legacy of inventive genius and of the Polynesian aesthetic sesn, an indisputable share of humanity's heritage has reappeared today.

Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Worldwide Guide : The online dictionary !

All what you have to know about polynesian tattoo

- What does the pattern mean ?

- How to represent... ?

Visit now www.tahititatou.com