Reviving Japanese Ancient Tattooing Art Project “JOMON TRIBE”

“JOMON TRIBE” is a collaborative art project between tattoo artist Taku Oshima and photographer Ryoichi Keroppy Maeda, in which the patterns of Japan’s Jomon period (14,000 – 300 BCE) are inscribed upon real human bodies as modern tattoo designs to show how the primitive spirit of humankind will become a new identity to survive the postmodern life of the 21st century. This project is the practice of “modern primitives” in Japan today.

Japan is known worldwide for its amazing traditional tattoos, which sprung from the popularity of Yukiyo-e woodblock prints during the Edo period (1603-1868). Meanwhile, the customs of Okinawan hajichi tattoos in the south and Hokkaido’s Ainu tattooing in the north still remain, and while their origins have been disputed in academic circles, they are said to have begun as far back as the Jomon period.

Now, we have about 50 Jomon tattoo models, who have been revived from archaeological research reports in order to bring them back to life in a modern way. We also discuss our exploration of primitive techniques—such as incision tattooing—and research into forked teeth and large ear plugs. This project is not just about reviving the past; but also it’s about carrying ancient patterns and wisdom into the future.

“JOMON TRIBE,” a Japanese/English bilingual photo book by Ryoichi Keroppy Maeda and Taku Oshima, which covers the history of Japanese ancient body modification, is available now!!

by: Keroppy & Taku Oshima
Slot 4 : Thu. 7pm-8:30pm