There’s a very special tattoo exhibit going on at the Indigenous Culture Museum of Tainan. That exhibit is of Paiwan Aboriginal tattoos, and included in this epic show are images and tools that came from the Aboriginal Cultural Museum in Pingtung County’s Laiyi Township.
This not only marks a celebratory event but also the first time that the museum has agreed to lend such items for a show outside of its own doors. According to museum officials, the nationwide Paiwan population is 96,000, making them the second-largest Aboriginal group in the world.
The Paiwan people make up the biggest Aboriginal populations in both Pingtung County and Tainan. Tattooing within their community has become such a precious cultural asset, and museum curators have said that tattoos were once the primary method that determined an individual’s social rank. But entry into the field of tattooing came with great responsibility. Every tattoo artist learned the stories and cultural import of each image and symbol to pass it on, and this exhibit is no different.
The intent of this show was to further educate and pass along the history of Paiwan, and the government hoped that it would also spread awareness of the stories and meanings behind the tattoos. Museum tour guide Chen Wen-shan (陳文山) said that traditionally, all Paiwan tattoos were created with thin needles and ash in a process far more painful than modern tattooing.
The exhibition at the Indigenous Culture Museum is set to run through June 28 before heading to the Indigenous People’s Museum in Tainan’s Yongkang District (永康), where it is to run from July 4 to Aug. 2, city officials said.
By Hung Jui-chin and Jake Chung – Tapei Times correspondents. FAQ's
What are Aboriginal tattoos and why were they important?
A coverup tattoo artist specializes in designing new tattoos that hide or transform existing ink. Instead of simply placing a new design on top, they plan the work so the original tattoo is concealed naturally within the new art.
Who are the Paiwan people and what is unique about their tattoo tradition?
Look for an artist with specific experience in coverups, not just general tattooing. Ask to see portfolios with before‑and‑after coverup work, discuss design ideas in a consultation, and choose someone who explains what will realistically work based on your old tattoo.
How were traditional Aboriginal Paiwan tattoos applied?
Start by looking for artists who specialize in cover-up work, as this requires a high level of skill and creativity. Check online reviews and artist portfolios to see their before-and-after examples of cover-ups. Many tattoo studios in Honolulu showcase their work on social media, so you can also view their designs and customer feedback.
What did Paiwan tattoo patterns symbolize?
Styles like black and grey realism, florals, landscapes, and symbolic imagery offer depth and contrast that help completely mask old ink.
How old is Aboriginal tattooing in Taiwan?
To find a skilled cover-up tattoo artist in Honolulu, start by checking online reviews and portfolios of local tattoo studios. Look for artists who specialize in cover-up work and have a proven track record with before-and-after photos.
