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
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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
Continued
• 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