Tohu

The Polynesian god of tattooing.

According to Polynesian cosmogony, the gods practiced tattooing under the supervision of Tohu, god of tattooing and creator of the shapes and color of the fish. In order to seduce Hina, a maiden, Mata Mata Arahu and Tura'I Po, two gods whose bodies were tattooed, met her in the night. She succumbed to their charm and eloped with them. When mortals decided to imitate the gods , Mata Mata Arahu and Tura'I Po taught them the art of imprinting tattoos on their skin. Ever since, humans wear tattoos to obtain favor from the gods and to look attractive to their fellow humans.

See Also

• Polynesian Tattoo