We got Tattoos!

Tattoos are part of the traditional culture here in Polynesia and have been for hundreds of years (or more). When the Europeans arrived with Christian missionaries, they tried to eradicate a lot of the local culture, including tattoos. But, tattoos have reemerged in the culture here and are seen everywhere. The tattoo artists create designs using the traditional symbology. The tattoos are supposed to tell a “story” about who you are or what is important to you. After seeing so many locals and friends on boats with these unique tattoos, we decide to take the plunge and get some ourselves.

We had met several people with beautiful tattoos who recommended one artist on Moorea named Gilles. So, when we were back in Moorea we sought out Gilles to make an appointment.

We were anchored in Cook’s Bay and took a dinghy ride east of the bay to a small dock in front of Gilles’ house where he has a small tattoo studio overlooking the water. We had some idea of what we wanted, but not an exact design. I explained that I wanted to incorporate the symbols of the ocean and sea life to memorialize our life at sea and on the ocean. The center of the tattoo is a small manta ray, and around it are the symbols for waves, sun, turtles, wind and birds. Mike liked the fish hook symbol for fishing, which is the center of his tattoo, but he wanted it to also reflect his love of water sports, so waves play a prominent part in his tattoo as well as other ocean symbols.

Gilles listened to us and nodded before getting us up to draw freehand on our bodies with a pen. His drawing was just a template as all of the detail work he did just with the tattoo needle. So, it was a lot of trust in someone we just met to have a bit of free reign in inking our bodies!

We were both really excited about the final products. It was such a fun and unique experience that we got to do together. And, will always have this permanent memory of our time in French Polynesia.

-katie