Tattoo Traditions of Hawaii (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Anthropologist and tattooist Tricia Allen has harnessed centuries of knowledge about Hawaiian tattoos and has created this fascinating, comprehensive reference book that can be enjoyed by both tattoo enthusiasts and cultural scholars. Tattoo Traditions of Hawaii describes the evolution of Hawaiian tattooing as an art and science tracing it from its early roots in ancient Polynesia; presents motif, meaning, placement, tools and techniques along with personal observations and commentary in meticulous and graphic detail; discusses contemporary Hawaiian tattooing within the context of contact with the Western world; and includes drawings of designs and patterns for ideas and consideration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: Mutual Publishing (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566477700
• ISBN-13: 978-1566477703
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,532 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Hawaiian Tattoo Resource, August 27, 2006

By	Mike Maynes (Boca Raton, FL USA) - See all my reviews

For those fascinated by Hawaiian and Polynesian tattoos, this is a fantastic resource. There is a great combination of history, mini bios of tattoo artists, as well as stories of current Hawaiian people and their tattoo stories. The book concludes with examples of different patterns and designs, which are common among Hawaiian tattoos.
This is a must for tattoo collectors as well as tattoo shops who stock quality reference material. Mahalo!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I learned so much, January 29, 2007

By	NK (Kamakura, Kanagawa-ken Japan) - See all my reviews

This is a very well written book that truly explains the origins of Hawaiian tattoos and tattooing and brings the practice into the modern time and context.
I would have given it a rating of 5 but felt that it could be greatly enhanced with a glossary of Hawaiian language and tattooing terms.
I learned so very much and I am grateful to Tricia Allen for publishing her research and getting interviews with wearers of Hawaiian tattoos and the tattooists.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't wait for this book to be published, August 19, 2006

By	Bizahalani (Tuba City, Arizona) - See all my reviews

For all lovers of Polynesian culture, and traditional native tattoo, this is a book you don't want to miss. It is historical, cultural, and modern at the same time. Tricia Allen is a celebrated tattoo artist in Polynesian circles, and to those of us who know and love the cultural connections her designs evoke. If you are interested in any of these things, check out her website, as well as this book.