Makiko Makuwuhara - Tattoo : an anthropology

An Anthropology

First published 2005 by Berg Publishers

Published 2020 by Routledge
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Copyright Makiko Kuwahara 2005

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Kuwahara, Makiko.
Tattoo: an anthropology / Makiko Kuwahara. English ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index

1. TattooingFrench PolynesiaHistory. 2. TattooingTahiti
History. 3. Body, HumanSocial aspectsFrench Polynesia. 4. Body,
HumanSymbolic aspectsFrench Polynesia. 5. Sex rolesFrench
Polynesia. 6. FestivalsFrench Polynesia. 7. PrisonsSocial
aspectsFrench Polynesia. 8. French PolynesiaSocial life and
customs. I. Title.

GN670.K88 2005
391.6509962dc22
2005004124

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN13: 978-1-8452-0155-5 (pbk)

Typeset by JS Typesetting Ltd, Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan

Although I had to concentrate on the surface of the body, this research taught me how to understand people beyond that. During this research I have met many people, whether tattooed or unmarked, who have become important to me. First of all, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the tattooists in Tahiti: Akoti, Alexandre Mahuru, Aroma Salmon, Bruno Tupuai, Clment Teraiauauo, Colla, Efraima Huuti, Eric (Arue), Eric (Outumaro), Mano Salmon, Michel Raapoto (and Genaut), Mose Bersinas, Pipipe, Simeon Huuti, Stphane Tupuhoe, Taiava, Tapu Bonnet, Tavaearii Norbert, Thierry Pirato, Toto, Varii Huuti, Vatea, Vetea and their family and friends. Special thanks go to Papa Atonia Raapoto and his family in Raiatea for accommodating me during Tatau i Taputapuatea. I could never have done my research without them generously letting me stay and watch their tattooing at their workplace for many hours everyday. I will never forget their artistic creativity, sense of humor and warm-heartedness. I also thank the people who were tattooed by them while I was there for generously letting me photograph them and sharing their ideas about tattooing, particularly Charlie, William, Teni, Narii, Tupuna and the fire fighters of Papeete fire station (it was fun to spend peaceful and no fire Sundays with you!).

I am indebted to the Ministre de la Justice for permission to research in Nuutania prison and the Director, Jean-Jacques Marchand, and staff of the prison for supporting my research. I am grateful to the inmate tattooists who spared enormous amounts of time to tell their stories to me. I learned about tattooing and much else besides from them and sometimes felt like crying after our interviews when thinking about how complicated life is.

I wish to thank the staff and friends of the Foyer de Jeune Fille in Paofai, who gave me comfortable accommodation during my fieldwork. As the Foyer provides female accomodation only, my everyday gender relationships became balanced by seeing the girls living there in the morning and evening. I especially thank Carol, Elma, Loanah and Heimata, Maiana, Mama Vero, Masami, Murielle and Yoyo. I am grateful to Ralph Maamaatua and his family for helping me settle down in Tahiti during the first couple of weeks of my fieldwork. I would also like to thank Alexy, Fleur, Haruko, Titaua, Turia, Ingrid and Raf for providing me with good breaks from male tattoo world. I also thank Ian Bryson, Catarina Krizancic and Jenny Newell, whom I shared good times and ideas with during my fieldwork.

In the Marquesas, I would like to thank the following tattooists and their families: Isidore, Brice, Bernadette Haiti, Roland and Sadine Teatiu, Luc Hatuuku, Thierry, Kina, Moana Kohumoetini, Norbert Tahiatututapu, Dominique, Poi and Marianne Bersinas and Daniel Pautu. Special thanks go to Marie-Jo Teikikaine and her family, Mama Lucette, Papa Marcel and Loc; and Tupea, Marselina and Sabine in Taivipai for their hospitality. I would also like to thank Mama Tehina and her family in Hathieu for having me and teaching me about the Marquesas. I am also grateful to Clair and Toti Teikihuupoko, Martini, Marie, Jean-Luis Candelot, Tina and Rudla Klima in Ua Pou and to Maurice, Delphine and Suzanne Rootuehine in Ua Huka. Pierre and Marie-Nolle Ottino were always pleasant and helpful, and gave me valuable information.

Libor Prokop and Hln (and other members of Prokop family) gave me enormous support during my stay in Tahiti. Without Libor I would never have known the group O Tahiti E, from whom I learned so much about dance and music for inclusion in . I am also indebted to Service de lArtisanat Traditionnel for letting me research at Heiva and other artisan exhibitions. I am grateful to many artisans and artists; however, special thanks go to Ange, Mama Tehea, Mama Marie, Mama Carmen, Roger, Wilfred, Peni, Efara, Make and Teihoarii, Moko and Maohi, Suzanne, Andr and Boniface.

I am deeply grateful to Howard Morphy who read all drafts and gave me invaluable comments and advice, and Nick Thomas who supervised me from my MLitt to my Ph.D and led this project in a more exciting direction. I could never have developed my ideas and made this work as it is without these inspiring scholars. I also appreciate Lissant Bolton, Chris Forth, Ian Keen and Nigel Lendon for their comments and advice on early drafts of several chapters, and Niel Gunson for important suggestions on historical sections. For the later stage of the work, I would like to thank Nico Bersiner, Anne DAlleva and Karen Nero for very helpful comments and advice.