Abstract

Tricia Allen is a tattooist with an extensive background in Polynesian history. Her approach to the art is unique in that she has tattooed over 8000 members of the Polynesian community, yet has an extensive academic background. She completed her Master's thesis at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa in 1992 on the early practice of tattooing in the Marquesas Islands. Having completed her Master's degree in Anthropology, Allen began her doctoral research in the islands, researching the revival of the arts in the Pacific. Her work has taken her to Samoa, Aotearoa, New Caledonia, the Society Islands, the Marquesas and Rapa Nui, as well as numerous museums and institutions abroad.