Art of the Marquesas Islands

Gauguin

These islands are world-famous for the colorful paintings of French artist Paul Gauguin, who lived in the Marquesas, on the island of Hiva Oa, for the last two

years of his life. One can find his grave in a peaceful cemetery on a hill overlooking the sea.

Tahitian women on the beach Tahitian Landscape Little Valley

Marquesean artists are especially well-known for their decorative wood carvings of sacred tiki gods and ancestors. Functional items such as bowls and platters

are richly carved, as are their stunning hardwood war clubs. These works can be seen on display in fine hotels, shops and museums all through the Society

Islands.

In the past, the Marquesan's adorned themselves with ornaments made of ivory, mother-of-pearl, shells and feathers. Many of these superbly crafted items are on exhibit in the Metropolitan exhibit

Another art form is the pareu cloth worn by women as wraparound skirts or dresses. Local designers have created

brilliantly patterned cloths that are light and airy.

Tahitian tattoos also remain a popular art form. In the beginning, each clan had its own motif, which was painted on tapa cloth made from the bark of

mulberry trees. Tattoos were then etched on human skin, and most Marquesas residents where permanent geometric tattoos on their bodies.

Boys received their first tattoos in their teens in a ritual setting, and by old age often had tattoos all over their bodies. Women were also tattooed, but not as extensively as men. The designs share many symbolic motifs, but were never copied entirely; every individual's tattoos were different and signified heritage, accomplishments, the specific Marquesan island the individual came from and their familial position

Marquesan cross is another symbol which is quite popular and widely used in many Polynesian tattoo designs. It’s often used to symbolize balance between elements and harmony. Its origin is

unknown but some archeological study shows that it’s connected to turtle shell.

Turtle plays an essential role in Polynesian culture. The sea is regarded as the source of food and Polynesian people believe that it’s also the world beyond, in which they will rest after death. And because turtles can freely move between the sea and lands, Polynesian people believe that they will bring them to their destination, the rest place.

Other shell symbols are mainly sea shells. They often have many variations and stylizations. Seashells are a main source of works of art. Sea shells often symbolize shield, protection and intimacy. Bivalve shells symbolize couples and marriage. Compared to other Polynesian symbols, sea shells are not commonly seen in many tattoo designs

Ocean symbols are very common among Polynesian tattoo designs. They are usually used to not only express specific meanings but also fill some blank blocks in order to shape complete patterns. Polynesian people regard the ocean as their final destination where they go when passed away. So sometimes the ocean is a symbol of death, or the world beyond. Besides, the ocean is also regarded as their source of food and can represent life, fertility and persistence. Ocean waves are used to symbolize the other world beyond too, which is a homeland where all ancestors live, where they’ll eventually be. The picture above shows its basic pattern and variations and a few application samples will listed below.

Shark teeth is another fish symbol which is very popular among Polynesian tattoo fans.  Nearly over 50% Polynesian tattoo designs have shark teeth symbols embedded in. It’s also called “niho mano” in Polynesian language.Shark teeth usually represents shelter or coverage, guidance, power, ferocity, adaptability, etc. In Polynesian legend, sharks also represent the god of Polynesian people. It has lots of variations and combinations, like the ones showed in the pictures above.

In Polynesian culture, lizards and geckos are regarded as a form of appearance of gods by people, with a name called moko (which is also the name of facial tattooing in Maori culture). It’s a very important part in Polynesian beliefs. Because they are symbolization of Polynesian gods, and also regarded as ancestors of Polynesian people, so they look quite similar to “enata”, the symbol of man. They are kind of creature who can talk to gods and watch the hidden world, bringing fortune to a person who has it in his tattoo and delivering death enemies.

Your Assignment

• Draw 6 detailed sketches in your sketchbook of design that incorporate the use of lines.

• They must include some form of symbolism, it does not have to be one we have talked about today.

• It can be something that reflects you or is symbolic to you.

• It can be something that is a important part of your culture, heritage, family or religion.

• You must choose one to turn into a 9”x14” work of art.• You can develop it into either a

• calligraphy design in ink

• Skateboard deck

• Or a paper curling design

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• You must get my approval on your choice.

• You can use acrylic paint for the skateboard deck, ink for calligraphy or colored paper for the paper curling project

• The paper you choose will depend on your choice of media• Poster board and acrylic paint for skateboard

• Watercolor paper for ink

• Poster board for cut paper

• Lightly sketch your design on your paper

• If this is your first time using India ink experiment first with the ink and nibs on scratch paper.

• If you are doing cut paper, choose your paper color and use either the paper cutter or a exacto knife