The Hawaiian Tattoo

This book was very speculative about the meanings of the designs, as is the whole history of the subject as I soon discovered. I was hoping to find a comprehensive guide to the symbology of specifically Hawaiian tattoos and this is probably as close as you can get since much of the information has been lost to time and misinterpretation - not to mention the abundance of information out there regarding the history of tattoos for surrounding island nations. The author seems to make a genuine effort to stay true to history, which I really enjoyed.

The cover is different between the first and second printing of this book and this should be known. The second printing was released about 16 years after the original when the original copies were advertized for above $1000. The second printing seems to have a big stamp on the cover. Every polynesian tattoo book written after 1996 refferences this book. It has plenty of information packed in to a few pages. A must have for every tattoo book collector.

It is what it is, which is to say not much.The book states theres not much known and so presents what is, which subsequently is not much. Good information none the less! Worth the money!

Excellent work although a bit short! I was thrilled about the explanations behind the designs and patterns. Definitely worth buying for those interested in Polynesian tattoos.

Excellent read.

partially the same as Tattoo traditions of Hawai'i, a few images, nothing new or not known before

I read my copy of this book I special ordered from my local library prior to ordering it here to buy. Having lived in Hawaii 23 years I found it surprisingly thorough for so short a book. I especially liked the depth the author went to to express the deep religious or other significance certain designs held. I did a search under the author's name and discovered he has many of the designs of which he speaks on his own body, he can speak with first hand authority as to their history or design. He also makes clear the undifinitive nature of Hawaiian tattoos, not all were "sacred" or "royal" and makes clear the transition, or perhaps contamination which occured post white-man contact with missionaries and others. Good, simple illustrations offer the reader easily copied designs to work with in customizing their own design or duplicating one shown. I highly reccommend this to anyone researching Hawaiian tattoo's, the book is very difficult to find outside the state.

Quite informative on the history of tattoos in Hawaii but lacking in substance in terms of the actual designs and placement.

Bien. Digamos que es lo que podrías ver y leer, si fueras a un museo donde hay un apartado dedicado a los orígenes del tatuaje en Hawaii