French Polynesia Not Keen on its Tattooing being Part of UNESCO World Heritage

The French Polynesia is not keen on its tattooing to be part of the UNESCO world heritage. The proposal was made by a left-wing member of the European Parliament, Younous Omarjee, who is from the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion.

However, the Patutiki Association, which promotes traditional tattooing of the Marquesas Islands said it was impossible to amalgamate the tattooing practices of all Polynesian Islands and cultures, which extend from Rapa Nui to Hawaii and New Zealand. Each island group had developed its own methods, designs and meaning.

"The proposal which was put to the French president was akin to describing all types of dancing in the region as Polynesian or taking a practice specific to a European country and then labelling it European." The Association further said it appreciated the thoughts of Omarjee's party, but it would prefer if it in the future abstained from speaking on behalf of those concerned.