Tahitian Tattoos

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The Fascinating History of Men`s and Women`s Tahitian Tattoos

When many people imagine paradise, areas such as Tahiti pop into their heads. Located in the Southern Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is the largest of a group of islands located in French Polynesia. If you`re looking for a tropical region with a sparse population, then Tahiti is ideal for you. It lacks frigid temperatures and has a population of less than 200,000 people (2007).

Although the French have colonized Tahiti, the native culture has remained intact. For instance, tahitian tattoos are based on the indigenous culture of the island and the Marquesas islands—a group of islands also included in French Polynesia.

The tattooing of both men and women has been a significant component of tattooing in Tahiti. Historically the men have been tattooed less frequently than the women. It involved young males and occurred during a rites of passage event at an open-air stone temple. While the rite of passage still takes place in the country, tattooing is no longer included in the procedure. The most common type of tahitian tattoos historically included huge rectangular blocks. They were located on the inner arms and torso of men. Sometimes the hands included designs of several geometric shapes that looked like the letters “x” and “w.” Men traditionally received a tattoo collection on their ears and necks. Typically only the face was the only region of the body that did not include tahitian tattoos, although some priests and warriors had them.

Tattoos were even more crucial for women in the culture of Tahiti. Although male youngsters desired the tattoo, they were mandatory for women. All young females had a tattoo on their inside arms. Then as females become adolescents, they again were tattooed. This time the tattoo collection includes thick patches colored black. As the females grew older, an artist added arch shapes to the thick patches.

The first Western artists who created sketches of tahitian tattoos were a part of Captain James Cook`s trips to the region. These pictures were of the common tattoo that woman had. In addition to sketches, there were also written accounts about the process of adding the tattoo to Tahitians.

Aside from the difference of tattooing among male and female Tahitians, it`s important to note that the process of tattooing has traditional been a privilege that only the most prestigious social classes have been able to enjoy.

Today, you can continue the tattoo tradition in Tahiti, by getting ones that the island`s culture has inspired. Before selecting one, you should learn about the meaning of a tattoo, which can make it even more meaningful to you. As with other tattoo designs, doing your homework before getting your tattoo can help to prevent buyer`s remorse. You should also consider the size of the tattoo you want, and where it will be located.

When searching for tahitian tattoos you can locate them from various sources, include websites that help you to search for the perfect tattoo. Tattoo Me Now contains a wide variety of tattoo designs, including various designs that the island of Tahiti has inspired.

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