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Tattoo's have been around for thousands of years. Early people used tattoo's as a way to identify, criminals, slave's and societal outcasts. People in early times had also body piercing that made them feel closer to the gods they worshipped. Tattoo's really became popular as Capt. James Cook travel the vast oceans of Polynesia and brought back stories and tribesmen that were heavily tattooed. In the Polynesian tattoo or 'tatau', these symbols and designs carry many meanings. In Borneo, the Dayak Headhunters used tattoo's to indetify people from other tribes. In the Phillipines as well. In the Orient, primarily Japan, tattoo ing was a gracefull art form that was very time consuming task. Originating from ukiyo-e, or woodblock prints from the 14th century. They have developed incredible styles that preserve certain tales of Oriental villians and heros. The designs include, dragons, flowers, snakes, buddist images, ghosts, women, and animals. They are usually incorporated with the 4 elements of earth; fire, water, wind, and earth. These artist that tattoo ususally lead secluded lifestyles which make them very sought oafter for the knowledge to make stories come to life. Many people spend alot of money and time trying to complete full body tattoo's. In Hawaii, tattooing has made a tremdous comeback. A lot of the history and meanings of the designs have been lost to antiquity, but through books and orally history we are able to understand the how the were made and way they were used. many young people have begun to take what research they can, a nd create a mdern representation of the traditional tattoo. The designs are often geometrical and very bold. Often refered to as 'kakau' or 'uhi' which means 'mark'. In Samoa, they have a similar type of tatto that is very unique to Samoa. The men get tattooed from the top of the knees to the small of their backs. This tattoo is very painful and usually the person getting the tattoo needs to be help around for a few days as the pain is intense. Womwn in Samoa often get tattooed in bands around their ankles, forearms, and wrists. These tattoo's signify the origins of thepeopele of Samoa. In New Zealand or'Aotearoa' have several designs that are very sacred and western influnce almost sealed the fate of the tattoo to history. Here the youth have stepped up to regain their culture by getting tattooed. The have intricate designs that are palced on the face to make a warrior look fierce and intimidating in battle. Women would have theit lips and chim tattooed. In Hawaii, King Kahekili of the island of Maui was tattooed half black down the length of his body from the head to toes. He did this in honor of his family god or'akua' Kanehekili-The God of Thunder. He had all of his warrioirs tattooed the same way. One passage for and story in Hawaii is said to have been spoken by Queen Kaahumanu while getting tattooed in mourning of he late husband, The Great Kamehameha the first. As she was having her tongue tattoed, in the ultimate expression of pain and grief, she repeatedly said,"The pain is only for now, the tattoo is forever."

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