Draft:The Hidden Legacy of Tongan Tattoos: The Tale of the Foolish Man
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The Hidden Legacy of Tongan Tattoos: The Tale of the Foolish Man Tattooing in Tonga, like in many parts of the Pacific, has deep cultural and spiritual roots. However, much of Tongan tattooing traditions were suppressed during the 19th century due to the influence of Christian missionaries. Here's the story, combined with the types of tattoos once practiced in Tonga and the impact of colonialism on this ancient art form.
The Tale of the Foolish Man and the Tattoos Long ago, a Tongan man traveled to Fiji to learn the sacred art of tattooing. In Fiji, tattooing was a revered practice, performed mainly by women on other women, signifying important rites of passage and identity. The Fijians taught the man their techniques, the tools made of shark teeth, and the symbolic meanings behind the intricate designs.
Before the man departed, the Fijians gave him a final instruction:
“Remember, these tattoos are for women. Men should respect them, but women bear them.”
Eager to share his newfound skill, the man set sail back to Tonga. However, the long journey took its toll, and his memory of the Fijian instruction faltered. By the time he arrived home, he had confused the message. Instead of teaching that tattoos were meant for women, he claimed they were for men.
The Tongans embraced the art of tattooing but reinterpreted it. Over time, men became the primary recipients of tattoos in Tonga, unlike in Fiji. This practice evolved into a uniquely Tongan tradition, with men wearing tattoos as symbols of rank, bravery, and cultural identity.
Tongan Tattoos: Types and Meaning In Tonga, tattooing was known as tatatau, similar to the Samoan tatau. Though much of the tradition has been obscured, historical accounts and oral traditions reveal some of the types of tattoos practiced:
Body Tattoos Tattoos covered large parts of the body, often extending from the waist down to the knees, much like the Samoan pe’a. These tattoos symbolized strength, endurance, and commitment to cultural values.
Arm and Leg Tattoos Warriors and chiefs often adorned their arms and legs with tattoos to signify their courage and high status. The designs were geometric and symmetrical, reflecting Tongan artistry.
Facial Tattoos Certain families practiced facial tattooing, marking individuals as part of specific lineages or for ceremonial purposes.
Sacred and Spiritual Tattoos Tattoos were also deeply spiritual, connected to ancestral worship and protection. They often included motifs representing the ocean, animals, or gods.
The Missionaries and the Suppression of Tongan Tattoos When Christian missionaries arrived in Tonga in the 19th century, they viewed tattooing as "pagan" and improper. They convinced King George Tupou I to outlaw the practice, claiming it was incompatible with Christian values and the modern world. Obeying the missionaries’ advice, the king decreed that tattooing should cease.
As a result, much of Tonga's tattooing tradition was hidden or lost. Only a few families, often those connected to ancient lineages or living in remote areas, continued practicing the art in secret. These families preserved the knowledge, passing it down quietly through generations.
The Legacy of Hidden Tattoos Today, tattooing in Tonga remains a hidden yet cherished part of its cultural history. While the art never fully disappeared, its public practice diminished. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Tongan tattooing, as younger generations seek to reclaim and celebrate their heritage.
The tale of the foolish man serves as a reminder of the fluidity of cultural practices and the resilience of traditions, even in the face of suppression. Tongan tattooing continues to inspire pride and connection to ancestral identity, with its intricate designs and stories now finding their rightful place in the broader narrative of the Pacific.
References
[edit]Effect of Missionaries on Tongan Tattooing:
The tradition of tattooing in Tonga was abandoned soon after European contact and the arrival of missionaries. At one time, nearly all Tongan males would have worn tattoos very similar to the pe'a, or traditional tattoo worn by Samoan men. Women were tattooed as well in ancient Tonga; however, the designs were limited to the arms and the inside of the hands and fingers. Tattooing was officially outlawed in 1838.
https://missionariesoftonga.weebly.com/effect-missionaries-tatatau-tattoo.html?utm_source
Veiqia – Traditional Fijian Female Tattooing:
Veiqia is a female tattooing practice from Fiji, where women who have reached puberty are tattooed in the groin and buttocks area by older female tattooing specialists called daubati or dauveiqia. The practice was prominent pre-colonization but was discouraged in the nineteenth century by missionaries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veiqia?utm_source
Tatatau: Living in the Aftermath of a Tongan Cultural Apocalypse:
Contemporary Tongans have had their tatatau (traditional Tongan tattooing) stripped from them. It is commonly accepted that colonization has decimated this cultural practice.
https://www.nzlii.org/nz/journals/AukULRev/2021/6.pdf?utm_source
The Veiqia Project:
The Veiqia Project is a creative research project inspired by the practice of Fijian female tattooing of veiqia. It explores the cultural significance and history of this tradition.
https://theveiqiaproject.com/?utm_source
Sacred Ink: Tattoos of Polynesia:
After 150 years of religious suppression, tattoos have returned to their rightful place as cultural symbols of Polynesia. This article discusses the revival of tattooing traditions in the region.
https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/sacred-ink-tattoos-of-polynesia/?utm_source
Embodying Violence – Oceanic Tattoo Cultures:
In 1838–39 Tonga, King George Tupou I converted to Christianity. Following his conversion, laws were devised to implement Christian, Western ways, one of which was the tattoo ban under the Vava’u Code decreed in 1839. Many Tongans were convinced that tattoo was not a historical Tongan practice, often attributing origins to tattooing to Samoa.
https://parsejournal.com/article/embodying-violence/?utm_source
Ancient Tattooing in Polynesia: World's Oldest Toolkit Found in Tonga:
This article discusses the discovery of ancient tattooing tools in Tonga, highlighting the historical significance of tattooing in the region.
Traditional Fijian Female Tattooing Marked Out in New Exhibition:
An exhibition highlighting the journey of artists exploring veiqia, the traditional Fijian female tattoo practice that was part of a rite of passage for young girls when they reached puberty.
Captain Cook, Sir Joseph Banks, and Tattoos in Tahiti:
This article explores the observations of early European explorers regarding tattooing practices in Tahiti and the broader Pacific region.
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/captain-cook-sir-joseph-banks-tattoos-tahiti?utm_source
Pacific Tattoo Culture on the Revival After Decades of Colonial Suppression:
This article discusses the revival of traditional tattooing practices in the Pacific after decades of suppression due to colonial influences.