So if anyone is interested…. “The Tattoo”
Hope Erwin had been planning to get a tattoo during her visit to us in Marquesas for nearly 6 months. The tattoo process here started with a conversation between her and Ahi the Artist in Nuku Hiva. The interview was a week earlier than the time of work and it consisted of sharing important aspects of Hopes life and family. At the time of the interview, we saw volumes of books of symbols and drawings of century’s of Marquesian body art with historical meanings. The selection of what art is to be “Hope’s tattoo” was all up to Ahi although Hope wanted a few specific items that meant more to her.
On the day of the work we showed up at 8:30 am where Ahi was explaining to a lady a tattoo he had placed on her the day before. She was flying out that day and was emotionally overwhelmed (in tears) by the art and symbolism representing her life. Hope at that time was very moved about the process awaiting her.
This is all free hand and no computer or graphic images helped along the way.
Ahi is 28 years old and has been taught by the Guru of Marquesan history. This history was almost forgotten over generations of cultural suppression by the Catholics and the French. Only in the latest 2 generations have the Marquesians demanded that their culture survive and be celebrated (much of this we saw in the Matavaa festival). Fortunately, the artwork was well documented in the 18th and 19th centuries and still practiced in small circles. Ahi explained that the art work is at the root of the culture and “has”’ to be shared. “Marquesans are proud of who we are and we want our Tiki to be known”. Thus, the tattoo culture is shared with others and not just kept to themselves.
The process was as interesting as the history. Ahi free handed for hours in green and pink with many revisions until he was happy with his canvas. Only then did he sit with Hope and explain the meaning of each symbol which we recorded on video. (One Hope will keep private). The whole process was complete by 3:30.
BTW, the Marquesans seem to have a very strained relationship with both French Polynesia and France. It’s one I would relate to a rebelling teenager in their middle to late teens. They are striving for their history, culture and independence. Marquesans are absolutely the most generous and kind people we have met yet, but there is an underlying anger from the last few hundred years. Time will tell if this generation will heed to parental supervision or will they push for more independence. In its present form these Islands are similar to Hawaii 100-150 years ago. -Scott
What a great couple of weeks with our daughter Hope Erwin.
Hopes trip has been a blur of cruising life in the South Pacific. Only 10 days and she had dove with Sharks, swam with mantas, videoed turtles, hiked the Hakatea Bay (Daniels bay) and made an effort to learn how to foil behind the dinghy.
Pictures can’t explain how proud we are of this soon to be 21 yr old college grad!
Our World Adventure 