Off Nanakuli Avenue, in a tiny, abandoned 1920s Mormon church, one of the most sought-after traditional Hawaiian tatau artists practices his art on subjects who don't just want
For many people seeking a Hawaiian tattoo, Keone Nunes is their only option. He insists on interviewing everyone who seeks him out. There are no set questions, Nunes says it just "depends on the individual". Nunes began tattooing using the traditional Polynesian of "tapping" over twenty years ago. "Very significant, profound things happen when people get tattooed in this way, " Nunes said.
The art of tapping is special since there are very few artists left in the world who tattoo in this ancient way. Instead of relying on an electric machine and a steel needle, Nunes makes his own tools and even his own ink. "Basically I dip the
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(ink), place it on the skin and tap, but in its simplicity lies its complexity, " he says. “It looks fairly simple, but it is difficult to do well.”
Kawika Au, who has been getting tattooed by Nunes since 2003, agrees, "People see visions, they have dreams, they make connections… It's not just getting inked." And don't think you can go into just any tattoo shop on the island and get tattoos like the ones Nunes practices and perfects. They are shared with him by trusting kupuna who he affectionately calls "Hawaiian informants.” The designs are passed down through the generations, and are genealogical and gender specific. "Sometimes men who are into tattoos, don't know… and will wear female designs on their face, " Nunes says, shaking his head.
Of course, Au knows there will be absolutely no female designs going on his face. "He is my kumu, so I trust him absolutely, ” he says. “I will always be grateful for his allowing me to sit at his feet. I would go to the ends of the earth for him, as I know he would for me." Au continues, "There are very few things in this world a Hawaiian can do that will take you back to what your ancestors felt, heard, and the designs… are what is left."
Cultural Traditions' Indelible Mark
While Nunes has a passion for Hawaiian tattooing, he also has an appreciation for other kinds of tattoo styles, naming Red Diamond Tattoo's Roy Uno as one of his favorite tattoo artists on the island. The 26-year-old, Japan-born, Oahu-raised Uno is known in the inked world for being extremely gifted—and decidedly so if Nunes gives him a nod.This is such a fact, that for example, if a person is not honoring their ancestors in a favorable way with their lifestyle choices, they are deemed not ready to honor their ancestors with a tattoo.
Kakau tattoos differ from only Pacific tattoos because they use many overlapping symbols and line work that combine together and create an interesting piece of art.
The Kakau tattoos from the Hawaiian Islands are unusual in the way they shape and layer different elements of the tribal patterns into one larger piece.
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The word Kakau comes from the ancient tradition of Hawaiian tattooing, where the artist would actually cut the skin open using bone and add pigment to the wound.
Kakau is a very painful process and although it came out like black ink afterward, it was only able to be done in black ink and hurt very badly.
For this reason, the mere act of receiving a tattoo was seen as a great act of bravery and the sign of a powerful person.
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Both ancient Hawaiian men and women would receive tattoos however, men tended to cover their entire bodies with ink while women wouldn’t get as many.
Today, people in Hawaii still get traditional tattoos to honor their past, however, modern tattoo art has taken shape in Hawaii and there is now a true mix of the old style and the new creations.
The Hawaiian islands were settled over 800 years ago by Polynesian explorers who over time became further and further away culturally from their homeland and started to form their own distinct culture in Hawaii.
Kākau: Traditional Art Of Hawaiian Tattooing
Captain Cook did not stay long on the Islands but did notice that there was a strong culture there that was built to support a population of around 500, 000 people, as a rough estimate.
Although it is known that the skin was cut open to add ink, there is also evidence that a needle was attached to a bone and pushed into the skin with a mallet.
The needles that could have been used were anything from a bird’s beak to fish bones tied to sticks or other bones.
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One of the most popular Hawaiian tattoo designs is the Hibiscus tattoo because the hibiscus is a common flower in the Hawaiian Islands and is in fact the state flower.
The lizard Kakau design is simple usually made up of just a few tribal patterns placed together to form the shape of a lizard.
Having this tattoo could be seen as a way to ward off evil and carrying a bad omen with you could make you stronger.
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The Kakau lizard tattoo may represent being tough and fearless through life and the hope that you will live for a very long time.
The sea turtle is an important symbol to Hawaiians because of their special relationship with their people and they sit closely in their hearts.
The tattoo typically shows the turtle laying flat with its legs sticking out, with its limbs and shell completely covered in tribal patterns.
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For example, a modern sea turtle tattoo could still mean that you wish to live a long life and perhaps want to create a symbol on your body of your desire for it to be a peaceful one.
As a tattoo, the Kakau dolphin symbolizes protection in your travels and will help to provide guidance for you especially if you travel a lot by sea.
The Kakau shark tattoo consists of many thin lines outlining the body as well as rows of triangles to form its sharp teeth and tribal symbols in thick black shapes to form the tail and the more intricate parts of the body.
Kākau: The History And Meaning Of Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos
Having a Kakau shark or shark teeth tattoo may provide you with shelter from evil spirits or from tragic events that could happen to you in your life.
The powerfulness and ferocity of the shark may provide its tattoo wearer the ability to increase their own power and give those who see it the idea that you are not to be messed with.
Finally, one last meaning of the Kakau shark tattoo is adaptability because of the shark’s ability to adapt to what nature throws at them.
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Also called spearheads, this Kakau design is essentially a triangle with a line going through its center as well as some shading to express the shape of a spearhead or arrow.
They are also often part of a larger design, adding a central component inside of a larger Hawaiian shape or tribal design.
They wanted others in the battle to fear them, but also, they wanted to enhance their own spiritual powers for strength and resilience.
Tattoo Traditions Of Hawaii
These ancient relics of a wonderful group of people each have their own meaning, and as we have explained, may have multiple meanings, too.
The overlapping tribal sequences and the creatures that are formed by tribal designs are pleasing to the eye and are definitely a reason to get a Kakau tattoo.
Whether it be a small tattoo behind the ear or a full sleeve, Kakau tattoos and great for anyone who wants something different and something tribal.
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Alyssa Renee McCormack is a writer, curator, and photographer who publishes articles on the topics of the arts, culture, and social justice. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in fashion business and art history and museum professions. Her experience working with a variety of art institutions, her world travel, and her inquisitive nature provides her with a unique insight. Check out her about page, she would love to connect with you!
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