Shawn gets tatted up!

Notwithstanding the razzing I took from Bill earlier, I was interested in getting a tattoo while here on Hiva Oa. Sharon mention that this is where the word tattoo originated and there is more “cultural meaning” behind the practice here than almost anywhere else.

So, on our first day here (after checking in with the gendarmes), we hit the grocery store then on the way back stopped at a tattoo parlour.

In early days, the all over tattoo was “body armour” for warriors. When one tribe beat another, amongst other things, the chief of the loosing side ended up in your stew pot.

When we entered the Tattoo Parlour, Kaha the artist was working on the leg of a young woman. We were pointed at two things – an iPad filled with photos of his work, and a very tattered book with illustrations of all the meanings and shapes that can be included in a traditional Marquesas’ tattoo. Bill, Sharon and I looked through and the variety was overwhelming.

When Kaha was done the project underway, he explain I needed to provide him with the essence of some of the meaning I was looking for and then he would point to the animals or images that might convey the idea.

I took a few pictures and sent them to Nancy and my kids for their opinions and got back some encouraging feedback. Keep in mind I had spent my life telling my girls “no tattoos”. A failed effort but the message had been clear.

The next day about 2pm, after an hour more perusing the book, I found myself committed.

Some of the meaning:

• Turtle – Image of the universe. Evocation of the universe through an animal that strongly represents it (though the shape of it’s carapace). Important mediator between the living and the gods or the other world.
• Sky – Journey. Relationship between man and nature
• Sea – Travel, to migrate – ocean, abyss, the next world.
• Bird – Taking flight, journey, soul.
• Manta Ray – Men’s protector animal, wisdom
• Whale Shark – Image of a human being united with the aquatic world
• Compass – Guidance, navigation, guiding star

So I was told for “after care”- no beer only hard liquor – the yeast in beer was bad, and no salt water for at least 1 week (ie no scuba). In Googling today, I discovered no French fries, soda, no alcohol at all is what is usually recommended. (no mention hard liquor was OK).

Unfortunately, last night was already a celebration with 3 rum and cokes. I seem to have survived – maybe my Manta Ray provide me some protection even if the wisdom was lacking!