Tattoos from Paradise: Traditional Polynesian Patterns [Hardcover]

Mark Blackburn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

Traditional tattooing designs are depicted from the exotic Pacific Polynesian cultures of Easter Island, Hawaii, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. The actual process and ceremonies involved in tattooing are described and illustrated with over 250 drawings and color illustrations of native people. Included are actual 19th century photographs as well as early exploration art, paintings, drawings, engravings, and artifacts all relating to tattooing.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Blackburn has been under the spell of the Polynesian Islands for twenty years, building one of the finest Polynesian art collections and libraries. He runs a successful import business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and has a second home and art gallery in Hilo, Hawaii.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764309412
• ISBN-13: 978-0764309410
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #439,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Needed Book, July 29, 2000

By 

shelly brando (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tattoos from Paradise: Traditional Polynesian Patterns (Hardcover)

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.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Polynesian Historical Documentation, January 30, 2006

By 

Jon Apisa "pasefika" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tattoos from Paradise: Traditional Polynesian Patterns (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book as a historical reference for Polynesian Tattooing.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.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping tradition alive, June 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tattoos from Paradise: Traditional Polynesian Patterns (Hardcover)

It i great to know there are books like this that are out that can help the younger polynesian generation learn about their ansetries art and culture.