In Tokelau tā tatau, Jack Kirifi explores the history and art of Tokelau tā tatau (Tokelau tattooing) through historical and contemporary art.
I loto o te Tokelau tā tatau, na hākilikil ai e Jack Kirifi ni ata tuhi ma tala fakaholopito agai ki na tatau fakatokelau (Tokelau tattooing), e maua mai i ni ata tūhia i na aho kua leva ma e fakaāuau.
Ko te fakatinoga o te ‘Tokelau ta tatau’ na taofia i te vai-henituli e 19 ma e taigole lele ni fakamatalaga tau aganuku na fakamaugia e na tino nae faimalaga ki Tokelau ka ko heki taofia ai. E ui e iei na mea tāua lahi na maua i na fakamaumauga ma ni ata tuhia kua leva agai ki na tatau fakatokelau (Tokelau tā tatau), e taigole na fakamaumauga fakatatau ki tenei fakatinoga i he kikilaga fakatokelau.
Ko te fakamoemoe o Jack, ke kavea tana taumafaiga tenei ma auala ke toe-hokotaga ai ia tagata Tokelau ki na talāga ma iloa agai ki Tokelau tā tatau.
The practice of Tokelau tā tatau ceased in the mid-19th century with only a few historical accounts recorded by visitors to Tokelau before it was abolished. Although these early accounts and images provide valuable insight to Tokelau tā tatau, little has been documented of the practice from a Tokelau perspective.
Through his work Jack hopes to provide a path for the Tokelau community to re-connect with the stories and knowledge of Tokelau tā tatau.
Printing Workshop with artist Jack Kirifi
Saturday 2 November, 1.30pm
