Tattoo • ology

Critically important to their culture, the Polynesians or Tahitians as people would often refer them to, were among the first tribes to adopt tattooing as a form of body art. In the absence of any formation and development of alphabets and written language, as is prevalent today, tribal tattoo art was the only form of expression. Thus they used it to convey social status, rank and family affiliations.

It is also a fact, that they were known to repeatedly tattoo their upper arm, every time a leader of the tribe met with success in hunting or during a war. Needless to mention, tribal tattoo art from the Polynesians consisted of important messages or symbolizations of various important events affecting their lives.

Celtic Tribal Tattoos on the other hand were prominent through their intricate knotted designs called the Celtic knots worldwide, interlacing patterns, spirals and depiction of various animals. The Celts are known for their richness in history and traditions were once a prominent force in Europe who were gradually pushed North West by the Romans and Anglo-Saxons. Again, there was no written language to express their feelings, so the tattoo was the only means of expression to convey any important social message or even any home-grown philosophy. For instance, the spirals of Celtic tribal tattoo art conveys the never-ending cycle of life.

Maori Tribal Tattoos originated in distant New Zealand, where “Ta Moko” was the process”, “Moko” was the name of the final design. This form of tribal tattoo art originates from the concept of the relationship between man (Mataora) and an underworld princess called Niwareka. The princess, according to legend, went back to her father’s underworld domain, after being beaten by Mataora, who later repented his actions and journeyed to the underworld, trying to retrieve his lover.

Apparently the princess’ father taught him the art of tattooing which he later showed his tribal members. Maori tattoos were also used as symbols of male rights of passage and demarcate social status and the tools used to do the tattoos were same as those used by the Polynesians.

Egyptian, Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese and Indian tribal tattoo art are now practiced by several tattoo lovers all over the world. For instance Japanese tribal tattoos had more meaning attached to honor rather than a simple visual art. It is not difficult to locate the right tribal tattoo art for you – simply look over the net and there would be innumerable tribal tattoo art making their appearance.

Choose the one the meaning of which appeals to you most and which goes with your individual personality. Be it a dragon, or a simply the Holy Trinity – tribal tattoo art is here to stay and stay for good.

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