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Tattoos have been a part of every culture and have been mentioned in history. In fact, the word tattoo is derived from "tatu", of Polynesian origin, which means to mark something. Tattoos, for the Tahitians symbolize or represent rank and position in the society. You can tell or interpret from a person's tattoo if he is a warrior or a priest.
In their culture women were only tattooed once they reached puberty. The tattoo is placed on the buttock. This actually shows that a woman is ready for courtship. If a young woman is not yet tattooed, it means she cannot eat other than on her own house. For the chiefs, warriors and priests, the body is popularly tattooed, the face rarely touched and not marked at all. The good thing about the Tahitians is that they treat women and men equally. Even a woman could become chief.
Like in all cultures and origins, tattoos symbolize or mean something. It is a means to convey ideas and sometimes, even the spirituality of a person. It is a means of self-expression, body art and for others, it is a way of communicating with other people without saying much. Tattoos formed a language for tribes. It spoke of their history, how their tribe came to be and their victories in battles. Today, it is used in the same way.
Tahitian tattoos are subdivided into two forms or categories. The first is Enata. These tattoo designs symbolize a person's origin, history, how their tribe came to be, their social ranks, or their work. For example, if you are a farmer, then your tattoo would show your work in the fields, and there should also be a symbol that would help keep you and your harvest safe from 'bad spirits'.
Another form of the Tahitian tattoos is the Etua. It revolves or it incorporates a more magical and spiritual symbolism. It shows devotion to the gods and it even asks them to protect them and keep them safe. In a way, it is a way of worship or praise to the gods. Another meaning is that, it honors other people or tribes.
The art of Tahitian tattooing has been preserved. In fact, there are still quite a number of people who make traditional Tahitian tattoos. Among these are two friends of Polynesian descent, who still use the traditional brush. It is a sharpened comb attached to a small wooden handle or bar. The entire procedure is done when the brush is rested on top of the skin and is tapped using another stick to penetrate the skin. Thus, this is how the ink is introduced to the skin. The tapping motion creates a 'tau tau' sound. This is where the Te Tatau name comes from. It is the art of making or creating traditional Polynesian tattoos.
These two guys are preserving this wonderful art, while almost all the other tattoo artists use needles. To be able to keep doing such a unique way of tattooing is a rewarding experience. Plus, they're both still considered as Tattoo Masters of Tahiti.