Welcome to Roonui Tattoo

Forbidden Art:
A story of self-determination

Polynesian tattooing is in art form that has deeply rooted in the Pacific Islands for a few thousand years, long before the first Europeans set foot on those spectacular white sand beaches at the end of the 17th century.
The tattoos- mostly geometrical patterns and solid black areas- were ritually executed and held an important part in the social and cultural life of the native people.
Unfortunately, the first European missionaries who came to settle down in the paradisiac islands, saw tattooing as a threat to their evangelical task, and they forced the natives to abandon the practice. Because of its connection to ancient beliefs, tattooing was deemed incompatible with Christianity. As a matter of fact, among the colonial regimes that took over the islands, very few tolerated the continuation of native cultural traditions and religious customs, and in French Polynesia, for instance, tattooing was proscribed for 150 years. The ban was so effective that  a mere 20 years ago, French Polynesian tattooing was practically non existent.

Roonui Anania  can be credited as one of the precursors of the Polynesian tattooing revival. Refusing to display on his skin the dragons, skulls, or any other image devoid of native symbolism which were favored by modern Polynesian,  Roonui reopened the long forgotten path leading to the ancient art of his people. No ordinary  tattooist could embark on such ambitious endeavor, but Roonui is far from ordinary anyway.

Roonui assumes the role of a legendary character, who as the tale goes " was already tattooing and his mother's womb." Tattooing must indeed be in his blood, since he first felt the sharp kiss of the needle when he was only 11 years old.

However he concedes that "Polynesian tattooing is not a simple exercise in aesthetics. Polynesian carve into their body the symbols of their actions (past present or future), their promises their games." He quickly adds, " I do not know how to talk about it. I have been living it for twenty-five years now, and I can express myself better whit a tattoo machine in my hand, than with any world".


Roonui was a pioneer of this cultural renaissance and he is considered to be an especially gifted tahua tatatau,  with powerful mana.
His body is a living canvas of tattoo designs from throughout the Pacific. Full body Tattoos inspired by Marquesas tatau. Was tattooed over a five-years period using a number of techniques and implements, ranging from traditional bone tools to a thread wrapped sewing needles to a homemade electric tattoo machine!!

• Enjoy the visit

His body is a living canvas of tattoo designs from throughout the Pacific. Full body tattoos inspired by Marquesas Tatau.  Was tattooed  over a five-years period using a number of techniques and implements ranging from traditionnel bone tools to a thread wrapped sewing needles to a homemade electric tattoo machine . It is originating from Tuamotu Island and was doing business in tattooing whit is wife Lynda in Moorea Island the last 15 years. It is present in Longueuil Quebec Canada tattooing some French Canadian in is new studio. TAHITI TATTOO    246 St-Charles  Longueuil                                       QC  J4H1H3                                          Tel: 514 466 7700

Enjoy the visit Contact me at tatauroonuilynda@yahoo.fr