In the upcoming Flame Tree Arts Festival on April 23-25 at Susupe Beach Park, Dragon Edong will again showcase his world-class talent as he presents the traditional hand tapping art of tattoo and recognize an ancient practice that is slowly fading even among the native tribes in his homeland.
A hand tattoo has been escribed as a very personal experience because of the length of time devoted to do the tattoos and design.
Believed to have originated in Polynesia where it is a way of determining the wearer’s personality as well as his rank in society, tattoo came from the Samoan word “tatau” meaning “to mark.”
Hand tattooing still exists in many parts of the world today. The elements include charcoal made into paste, thorns from the calamansi tree and soot of candlenuts mixed with water or oil.
Tattooing by hand is more difficult than using tattoo machines.
Using a comb-like tool by handtapping, the artist needs to have the same amount of force in every tap. Thus, he needs to be consistent in exerting the same amount of resistance in order for the needle to have the same depth as it goes into the skin.
Despite the tedious process and extra time spent in creating a hand tattoo, the satisfaction of creating a work of art using traditional means is simply priceless, says Dragon Edong.
These tattoos typically have significant meaning to the wearer and indicate things like family line, social status and tribal affiliations. Some even use them as talismans to protect them from ill and harm.
Dragon Edong, who has won several awards and recognition from different tattoo competition and festivals around the world, might not literally breathe fire but he can surely ignite the interest of the crowd with his mastery of the art of tattoo.
To know more about Dragon Edong and his artistry, visit his official Web site at www.eldrakotattoo.com.
Largest
The 29th Flame Tree Arts Festival, Micronesia’s largest annual arts and cultural celebration, will feature visual, performing and culinary arts of numerous cultures, including indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian arts as well as from cultures of Micronesia, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond.
The festival, coordinated by the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, will be held at Susupe Beach Park and will be open Friday evening and morning to evening on Saturday and Sunday.
“Our mission is to promote and perpetuate our unique cultures,” said Arts Council Executive Director Angel Hocog. “We would like to invite all friends of the arts to come and celebrate this festival with us.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of cultural talents, as well as purchase items directly from the artists,” said Marianas Visitors Authority acting Managing Director Judy Torres. “We look forward to receiving the hundreds of visitors who come to Saipan each year to celebrate with us.”
The festival will feature 20 food booths and 60 booths for artists and non-profit organizations. Admission is free.
For more information about the Flame Tree Arts Festival, contact the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture at 322-9982/83 or [email protected].
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