Happy New Year! I hope that the majority of you have remained in good health
throughout the holidays and this most recent Covid surge. Cases here in Hawai'i
are at an all-time high, but hopefully it will be short lived.  Stay safe &
healthy!

ONLINE

A number of talented tattooers and friends are featured in this video series
filmed in Aotearoa (New Zealand). See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqWhq5WNkhw and scroll through the other
episodes while you are there as they are al well done!

Several indigenous women discuss the revival of tattoo and the role of female
practitioners at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36mWLZMtHmE

In the Chin State of Myanmar there's a long-standing tradition of women
wearing elaborate facial tattoos which differ slightly by village/region. 
See

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20161216-myanmars-tattooed-chin-women . 

Wang Qingyuan, a tattoo artist from Beijing has documented another indigenous
tattoo practice among the Derung women from the Dulongjiang Township in the
Yunnan Province in the SW border region of China near Myanmar. You'll find a
good article and a few photos at

http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/2018/sl/201905/t20190520_800168565.html
The tattooing of another neighboring ethnic group is discussed here:

http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/45213.htm

The popularity of tattooing today in China's larger cities, as well as the
stigma that still persists, is at

https://supchina.com/2021/08/13/as-tattoo-art-flourishes-will-chinas-censors-tighten-their-grip/

Recently in Myanmar tattoos have become a life-long  mark of commitment
to strive for democracy and independence. CNN reported earlier this year

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/myanmar-tattoo-protest-intl-hnk/index.html
 Another article which includes a stunning back tattoo of the Myanmar heroine is
at

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/24/aung-san-suu-kyi-tattoos-flourish-among-myanmars-resistance

Myanmar isn't the only place where tattoos serve as a mark of rebellion
against colonial powers.  Often in the Society Islands, tattooed locals
proudly informed me that their tattoo indicated that they are Mā'ohi (indigenous
Tahitian) as opposed to French. Although I've just read over a dozen websites on
Tahitian tattoo there aren't any that I feel are accurate enough to include
here. Sorry folks!  Don't believe everything you read on the web.  I
admit I have high standards.

Learn about tattoo traditions of coastal Papua New Guinea!  There's an
excellent article online at

https://postcourier.com.pg/living-art-mailu/

I'm asked fairly frequently how I got involved in Polynesian tattoo. 
It's a long story that's summarized in an online interview at

https://olywip.org/tattoo-artists-evolution-marked-by-respect-for-polynesian-traditions/
Matt Crichton, the interviewer, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Samoa so he
knew enough to ask some interesting questions.

TATTOO SCHEDULE

Until February 27:  Kāne'ohe, O'ahu

March 4 - 20:  LA area

March 25 - April 10:  East SF Bay Area

April 15 on:  Kāne'ohe, O'ahu

While I already have airline tickets for the above dates, if there is a
drastic increase in COVID cases in either Hawai'i or California, my trip may be
delayed.

If you are interested in an appointment call me at 808-734-8677 or email
tattoo@lava.net. 

If you are a new client, the sooner you call & get signed up, the more time
we have to work on your design and the higher priority you'll have in
scheduling.  For details please see the Schedule date & the FAQ on my
website,
www.ThePolynesianTattoo.com and/or
www.PolynesianTattoo.net .

Mahalo nui & best wishes for a happy & healthy new year ahead!!

Tricia