Culture “inked” in your skin

April 3-6, 2014 – the date is set for a gathering of all tattoo enthusiasts at the Radisson Plaza Resort on the east coast of Tahiti. This marks the 3^rd Polynesian Tatau Convention, an annual convention dedicated to the art of Polynesian tattooing. During the first weekend of April, artists will participate in a real celebration of this ancestral art.  In Tahiti, not merely considered as an art-form but as a cultural rite of passage and expression. The convention embodies a real Maohi cultural revival.

The event is organized by the “Polynesia Tatau” association, composed of well-known tattoo artists of French Polynesia. Through this event, members share their know-how and passion for their art.

The Polynesia Tatau convention opens on April 3 with the traditional “Kava” ceremony. It will be followed by an “Orero” show (the traditional Polynesian art of elocution) to conclude with a Marquesan “Haka”. All the tattoo artists attending this opening ceremony dress in traditional Tahitian costume to mark the occasion.

Opening ceremony :

This convention is open to local as well as international tattoo artists. For this edition, the convention will host about 10 international tattoo artists. These artists have been selected by the Tahitian association according to their commitment, renown and dedication in their respective culture. Samoans, Hawaiians, Filipinos, Indonesians and Japanese artists are among the many participants. Organized as such, this gathering presents a unique opportunity to meet and observe a large range of tattooing styles.

As a very popular event, this year’s convention will be accompanied by various events and entertainment : concerts of local musical groups such as “Pepena”, “Tikahiri” and “Accoustic Party”; traditional dance show proposed by the Taki Toa and Toa Huhina dance groups. The public is also invited to attend traditional “Tatau” demonstrations. This traditional way of tattooing uses tools made out of bone, animal teeth or seashells.

Tatoo of the day :

Each day, all tattoos completed will be judged by a jury to award the “best tattoo of the day”. The event will be concluded by a large traditional Tahitian meal of appreciation for all the invited artists from all over the world.

This large gathering of tattoo artists will be covered by the famous “Tatoo Magazine” with circulation in over 25 countries.  The whole event is considered to bring great publicity to the “Fenua”, its art as part of its rich Maohi culture!