The Smithsonian Magazine: “Ce bateau polynésien a un artiste tatoueur à bord”
Le Smithsonian Magazine a publié un article sur Eddy, le tatoueur de l’Aranui
Le 6 janvier 2021, l’Aranui a fait l’objet d’un article du Smithsonian Magazine, écrit par la journaliste Lola Mendez. La journaliste présente Eddy Tata, qui offre aux passagers de l’Aranui des tatouages de style polynésien basés sur les histoires de leur vie. Né sur l’île de Ua Pou, aux Marquises, Eddy Tata a appris à dessiner en regardant son oncle Moana Kohumoetini tatouer.
Lisez l’article complet (en anglais) ici.


Extract:
« Tata’s childhood passion for drawing alongside his uncle has led to a celebrated career as a highly sought-after Polynesian tattoo artist. Currently, Tata is the resident tattoo artist on the Aranui 5, a passenger-freighter vessel making 14-day voyages between Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands. The 410-foot-long ship is the main lifeline for carrying supplies and tourists around the six islands of Marquesas, and aims to immerse passengers in the culture of French Polynesia. Ninety-seven percent of the staff and crew are Polynesian and hail from all five archipelagos in French Polynesia. The ship offers lectures on Marquesas history, culture and archeology as well as cultural enrichment classes on local dances and songs, making shell leis, and the Marquesan and Tahitian languages. As the onboard tattoo artist, Tata provides passengers with custom Polynesian-style tattoos based on their life stories. »