Tattoos and travel: the hidden paradises for your travel tattoo

Whether you are passionate about tattoos, travel or both. It will be impossible to remain indifferent to the ability of peoples. Who has always practiced tattoo art in paradisiacal places such as New Zealand, the Marquesas or Samoa? It is not by chance that their drawings tell a total symbiosis with nature. An expression of ancient respect and lived through daily gestures: a powerful blue ocean, lush forests, volcanic craters, lagoons. And waterfalls dot the landscape, but they could also decorate your skin. Here are some best tips for the hidden paradises for your travel tattoo.

1. Maori culture, New Zealand

Even if the rugby has little influence, you will have heard of the All Blacks, the unbeatable New Zealand national team that would not be a planetary myth without the fantastic Maori players. And this is just one example of how the Maori culture is an integral part of contemporary life: around the country, you can hear about Maori, watch TV Maori, see the houses of meetings, participate in the Maori parties or assist Maori to songs and dances (usually the famous haka, or war dance). Without forgetting the beautiful ta moko, traditional Maori tattoos (often made on the face).

Ta moko: Maori tattoos

Ta moko is the Maori art of tattooing, which men traditionally wear on the face, thighs, and buttocks, while in women it affects the chin and lips. The moko were permanent grooves engraved in the skin by means of pigments (obtained from burnt caterpillars or from the soot of the kauri tree). And bone chisels: thin and sharp combs for the larger designs. And straight blades for the most minute details.

The traditional instruments used to perform them are exhibited in all the museums of the main cities: Auckland Museum, Te Papa (Wellington) and Canterbury Museum (Christchurch). For the mokos, today the tattoo gun is commonly used, but the chisels of bone are coming back into fashion among those who want to relate to the ancient traditions. It is one of the best travel tattoo in Newzealand

Since the Maori culture was rediscovered in the 1960s, various artists have begun to devote themselves to this practice. And today there are many havers that carry their tattoos with pride. But without ostentation. Visitors are interested in the world of Maori tattoos and possibly willing to have one made. Let one know that there are so-called kirituhi (skin inscriptions), modern tattoos inspired by traditional motifs that are not only intended for the Māori.

2. Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Majestic, powerful and threatening. Nature has modeled the Marquesas Islands in sharp outlines that stretch out spectacularly from the cobalt blue ocean to the sky. High waterfalls are thrown from overhanging walls, oceanic waves break on imposing cliffs, basalt pinnacles rise on emerald forests and jagged bays are cloaked in deserted white or black sand tongues.

The inland routes are among the most spectacular of entire French Polynesia to explore on foot or horseback. Here the past is closer, thanks to the abundance of prior archaeological remains the arrival of Europeans. Culture finds expression in the kitchen, dance, language, and craftsmanship, in a unique and unique form compared to the rest of French Polynesia. But don’t expect turquoise lagoons, elegant resorts. And a wild nightlife: the Marquesas Islands are quite a dream for ecotourism.

Polynesian tattoos

Beautiful and essential, the dark geometric patterns that stand out on tanned skin are back in vogue in French Polynesia. The Marquesas Islands are famous for having perfected the art of tattooing. But at the moment the best place to have one made in Tahiti, which has the largest number of artists (including many of the Marquises).

In ancient times tattoos indicated social status and personal successes. While today they are mere ornaments. Traditional designs are often replicated or modified to create new creations. It is one of the best travel tattoo in French Polynesia

The tattoo of the Marquesas is considered among the most skilled in the South Pacific and specializes in distinctive. And increasingly popular motifs of the Marquesas. Ironically, most of them do not work here. But in the French Polynesian islands of greatest tourist attraction (especially Tahiti, Bora Bora) or abroad. But fear not, you can still find excellent artists here. In Nuku Hiva, ask Brice Haiti, while in Hiva Oa, Louis Bonno has a high reputation. No two tattoo artists that perform the same designs. Both of these artists are high-level professionals and use only sterile needles.

3. Samoa

Calm but lively, wild and yet cared for, with a subdued atmosphere despite having originated from volcanic explosions: the extraordinary Samoa islands are a paradoxical paradox. But despite their extraordinary beauty – a sea with iridescent tones, jade green jungles, and crystal  – clear waterfalls – they are a simple place, devoid of megaresort and tacky attractions, and as welcoming as the sun that warms them.

From a geographical and cultural point of view, this small nation is considered the heart of Polynesia. The nineteenth-century missionaries had a profound influence on the archipelago. Which nevertheless remained linked to the Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan lifestyle). And today houses one of the most authentic and traditional societies of the entire Pacific: in some areas, it is even easier to see people who are juggling with fire rather than a house with walls. Despite their isolation, Samoa offers adventures accessible to all. From the relative bustle of Apia to the moving silence of Savai’i, here you will find a safe, welcoming and easy to visit paradise.

Tatau, the tattoos of Samoa

Samoa is the last nation in Polynesia to still practice the traditional art of tattoos. Despite the opposition of some religious leaders. The traditional male tattoo covers the body of men from the waist to the knees. Women can have a female tattoo, which covers only the thighs, performed.

The skill and tools of the tattoo artist were handed down by tradition from father to son. To make the complicated designs on the skin, sharp shark teeth or wild boar tusks were used. It was also believed that the person subjected to the tattoo should not be left alone to avoid being possessed by the spirits.

In general, tattooing requires at least 15 days; once the drawing has begun it must be completed, otherwise, it will shame the person. It is one of the best travel tattoo in Samoa