Tattoos from Paradise: Traditional Polynesian Patterns

This book brings together a collection of interesting images, some of which have special interest personally because they are of my own ancestors. While some images also also in in my own and other public and private collections, a publication such as this provides an important opportunity to share. The text provides background comment although it is limited and forced to rely greatly on previous published thought and opinion. My one concern would be that, given the current worldwide craze for so-called "tribal" tattoos, even with many current derived designs out there in catalogues, that sources such as this become further samples to be copied. Since traditionally, and especially in Maori terms, a "moko" was a unique, personalised signature with a detailed narrative attached to each design element, any person simply copying a design in ignorance of its innate powers and significance, would be running contrary to ancient "tapu" and obligations. The other interesting aspect here is the way in which early photographers actually enhanced "moko" with ink or paint in order to make the designs more prominent. This, of itself, is interesting as it also involves a serious breach of "tapu" where, touching the head of a chief was not permitted. Author, Mark Blackburn, has one of the finest and largest private collections of Polynesian art and artifacts in the world and this book in an important contribution to the pictorial record.

I am using this as a reference book for my tattoo business. For the reason stated I rated this a four star. This serves as guide line for what is standard for tatts in the Islands

Very good!

terrific

This is an excellent book as a historical reference for Polynesian Tattooing. It offers no new ideas or artwork but combines the historical information from previously published books. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Polynesian tattooing as not the definitive, but a good reference. It focuses a lot on Maori Tattooing and less on other cultures but that may be due to the fact that the Ta Moko had more documentation or illustrations that this author could use to fill his book. This is also a good reference into Polynesian culture because it documents that historically the Tatau was not a fad, or in anyway a negative, rebellious action in Polynesia. Ta Tatau was interwoven into the culture and life as a positive art form historically and today.

At a time when there is a cultural rage for "tribal tattooing," there is a scarcity of materials on Polynesian tattooing. This book finally addresses that need. The book contains many historical photographs of examples of 7 different polynesian culture's uses of tattoo. Brief summaries examine each area's history and methods for tattooing. The book is very attractively done. Recommended for anyone serious about tattooing.