Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-02-07
SOUTH SEA DANDIES.
The TattoOInR PrOcesa-An EmbaR
rasb7ng Predicament.

TY 4 rassing Presiicament.
Ihave seen the process of tattooing
performed on white arms during the te-
dium of FIVE months sea voyage, when
everybody was so weary of everything
that | wonder we did not jump into the
sea. On white skin the effect of
anchors, monograms and crests pune
tured in sky-blue characters, is not ugly,
but on Maori chieftain ] cannot say it
is an improvement to an already ugly
face. Here is Mr.. Polack's description
lof great chief undergoing the painful
process of being made beautiful for
ever" His face was besmeared with
blood, that had partly dried on his skin,
and also streamed from the punctures
then making. The practitioner OF the
art was a native of Wakatiwai on the
banks of the Thames, and was accounted
an adept in this really difficult branch
of the native art could scarce
refrain from smiling at this ar
tist. In giving an interesting touch to
the agonized impatient under his hands,
he would incline his head on either side,
with the self-satisfed air of an acade-
mician when giving q touch that tells y
according to the technical term of con-
noisseurs. At every stroke given by the
operator the victim of fashion WINGED
and writhed, which viii not excite sur
prise, as each cut jagged into the flesh
with the aeuteness of sharp knife,
blood flowing profusely at every incision;
this was wiped away with piece of soft
fax, that an extra tap might be given if
the flesh. was not already cut deep
enough. We passed on from this pros
trate chief who summoned all the forti-
tude to appear calm before us, though
the quivering of his whole body evinced
the tormenting pain he was suffer
ing. / next espied some male exqulsltes
in small shed decorating each other
for the occasion. One was stopping
down, having his hair combed, .feathered
and painted; while, in turn, he was
giving a touch of red ochre and sharks
oil to the head of his coiffeur. The
proper dress to be worn with tattooed
countenance is mat and very fine and
flexible these soft, silky flax garments
are; they are worn fastened over the
right shoulder, and hanging in graceful
folds like a toga. The Maoris OF the
present day are fast losing the art of
Matchmaking as they find clothes more
convenient, but still there are times
when the old savage nature will assert
itself For instance, | was once at
hall which boasted Of the presence OF
four or five Maori chieftains. They
stood together at one end OF the room,
leen.eyed and intelligent, with a slight
air of contemptuous indiiiereaee, but no
surprise in their glances- Extremes
meet. and your true savage and your true
dandy are necer astonished at anything,
Well, upon this occasion the ehiettains
stood silent and Watchful, faultlessly
attird in full evening dress, and looking
the high-bred gentlemen they were
in spite of spiral patterns Of bright blue
tattoo all over their dusky faces. To
them presently approached, with some
timidity, the prettiest yonng lady in the
room leaning on her fathers arm. She
inquired with a charming embarrass-
ment. whether To Henare or the any
body else would like to dance, and pro
fessed her willingness to be their part
ner. Immediately the youngest and
bluest chieftain stepped forward and
commenced pulling off his coat with
alacrity. announcing his great desire to
dance English dances, but entreating
her to wait half a moment whilst he
took of his clothesl leave you to inn
agine the discontinue Of the young lady.
/ hope her partner intended, if be had
carried out his scheme, 10 substitute 2
mat. at all events, for the tight European
garments; but this point will never be
cleared up, fof the fair damsel hastily
retracted her offer and departed swiftly,
covered with confusion.