Yes, that is right!
Throughout the Pacific Islands, our
yachty friends have been getting tattoos. Some did it as soon as we reached the
Marquesas in French Polynesia, while others got theirs in Tonga or Fiji. Dennis
had made up his mind before we left the USA that he was getting a tattoo. The
only question was when and where – which island and where on the body? In
addition, my question was: how large?
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Heading to the tattoo studio for an interview. |
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The traditional Maori meeting house. |
We had many discussions at sea of what not to get in terms of design and the size of it, as well as where
it should be on him. He made many threats of large tattoos of the Maori tongue
on his chest or upper arm.
Of course, in the Maori culture, facial tattoos are
a sign of recognition for accomplishments and the bearer carries the burden of
having to live up to that status for his or her whole life.
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Main street of the Living Village. |
A bit of history regarding Maori tattooing: The name for the
stylistic and ceremonial facial tattooing of earlier years is moko. Women had moko on the lips and chin, while high-ranking men had their faces
completely covered, as well as their buttocks and thighs. The greater the
status one had achieved, the more complex the tattoo, covering more area.
It
was somewhat like wearing all of your awards on your personal surface for the
world to see, but it meant that you must continue to maintain that status
through your deeds and actions. The burden was heavy. Not much facial tattoo of
this nature is done today. Although, the trend to bring back old traditions is
gathering momentum.
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Dennis with Jason. |
Dennis had made up his mind that the tattoo would be a
traditional Maori tattoo, so it was back to Rotorua! We had been given the name
of a tattoo artist there so he made an appointment with Jason Phillips. That is
his western name so it doesn’t sound too Maori-ish.
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Jason in his traditional attire.
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Jason first interviews his client to get a feeling of what
is important in the person’s life. Then he creates a drawing of the design
which represents what he has ascertained from the client. The next step is to
sit down with him while he explains the meanings on all of the aspects within
the design.
The client has the opportunity for some input and tweaking. For the Maori, it is not a “go in and pick out
a design” procedure. It is a very spiritual experience and it is much more than
just body art. It is very meaningful and symbolic in their culture.
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Various musical instruments from wood and gourds. |
I enjoyed Jason’s collection of musical instruments made
from natural items such as gourds, his “antique” weapons and carved pieces that
had been in his family for years and his artwork that was on the walls. We met
his son and daughter; the son was his “prep” assistant and when his work was
done, he was dismissed to go to the bridge and swim.
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The preparation begins. |
Jason created a wonderful design that captured everything
Dennis had shared in the interview. It was even more meaningful when he
explained the significance of each detail and how it related to Dennis’ life
based on what he had shared. Jason’s drawings are amazing. Done by hand without
the aid of a computer, many – especially the facial ones – are absolutely
symmetrical. He does them in ink. We bought a couple drawings of his traditional
designs.
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Children swimming and diving for coins ... |
We both liked Jason’s design and felt that he had really
understood Dennis. Because our five children and five grandchildren are so
important to him, he asked that they be represented in some way. Jason added
the five curved lines in each of three areas: five for our children and five
more for our five grandchildren. The extra five lines were added for future
grandchildren or the next generation.
The next steps included preparing the area by shaving away
the hair and cleansing it. While Dennis was lying face down on the table, Jason
chanted a Maori prayer before beginning the procedure. The way Jason approached
the tattooing process was very spiritual and ritualistic.
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after they have jumped off this bridge into the thermal pool. |
Once the tattooing actually began, I did what a girl’s got
to do: go shopping! Actually, I could not stand to watch after a couple of
minutes so I made myself scarce! He said it would take about an hour so I was
out of there. I wandered around the Whakarewarewa Thermal Living Village and
watched them cook in the geothermal steam. And, of course, I bought a few
little things!
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This is what is behind the stores on the main street! |
The Whakarewarewa Thermal Living Village was founded in
pre-European times. Today there is some modernization of the buildings and
businesses in the village, but the people of the Whakarewarewa Maori tribe live
in the area and run the businesses there. You can walk around the village to
observe craftsmen, a cultural performance and have a hangi meal. Guides share
the history, culture and life style of these Maori people. The children spend
their fun time jumping off the bridge at the entrance into one of the many
thermal pools. They ask visitors to toss coins into the water so they can dive
for them.
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There are many of these thermal pit areas. |
I returned to Jason’s studio just as he was finishing and
got to see the tattoo. Sort of – it was covered with a wrap for a few hours so
I had to wait to see the final product. It looked like it would be somewhat
painful, but Dennis said there were only a couple of times that it bothered
him. I am not tough enough to try it!
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They place the food into the steam and it cooks fast! |
As we were leaving the tattoo studio, Jason played a
beautiful song on a gourd instrument which had a few strategically placed holes
in it. He used some of the holes by covering them with his fingers much like a
flute to control the sounds. Instead of blowing into it like one does on a
flute, he blew air through one nostril while holding the other nostril closed
with his thumb. The instrument produced a soft melodic sound. It was lovely and
moving. Then it was time to say in Maori, E
noho ra or, as I like to say instead of goodbye, “Until our wakes cross
again.”
So here it is: the design and the placement – plus the
meaning of it. In the words of the artist:
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MATAU (Fish Hook) |
MATAU (Fish Hook)
“I felt this was the most appropriate symbol for your
journey. It symbolizes one who has a deep affinity with the ocean.
Significantly the Pacific at the moment. It also represents SAFETY and GUIDANCE
in particular to your journey over WATER. (Your world travel, you are a
sailor.) Other meanings are STRENGTH (so to help you physically and
spiritually) and ABUNDANCE of love, good health, enjoyment, happiness, etc.
THE SOUTHERN CROSS or the “ANCHOR” STARS – a star cluster
important to Navigators of old – lets you know you are in the SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE. (The Southern Cross is really special for Dennis.)
^^^^^ = Mountains pays respect to MOTHER EARTH, the land of
your birth and the lands you travel to.
~~~~ = Water lines
THE OCEAN, but also a symbol of VITALITY, healing, good health and cleansing.
))))))) = Good vibes and WAVES, also for happiness and
smooth sailing.
@@ = Partnership,
connection, and love of you and Sherry.
YYYY = Sail so you always have favorable wind for
safe journeys.”
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Immediately afterwards |
NOTE: There is no easy way to show the actual lines using
the keyboard, so look at the design for the Partnership mark that is represented
by the curls in the top area and the shape of the sail is on the right side
with what looks like a couple of feathers in it. Actually, the Maori wakas (war
canoes) have the feathers on a cord flying behind them.
The tattoo requires care for the first week by keeping an
antibiotic cream on it and keeping it clean and dry. The redness went away
after a few days and the hair is starting to grow back. Oh, that’s right, you
need to know where it is on him! Take a look…
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The real deal! |
Here are a few examples of Jason Phillip's artwork. We highly recommend him as a tattoo artist.