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Will

@will.cattersel

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Fingerprints of the Pacific
• Micronesia Tattoo Revival Project
• Solomon Islands Tattoo Revival Project
• @schiffmacherveldhoentattooing
• Amsterdam

POSTS STORIES REELS

Part 4: Fieldwork & documenting

The Solomon Islands tattoo revival project

#solomonislandstattoo #polynesiantattoo #pacifictattoo #indigenoustattoo #southseas #culturalheritage #tattoo #tattoorevival #micronesiantattoo #amsterdamtattoo #tribaltattoo #polynesia #warriortattoo #tattoohistory #explorer #traditionaltattoo #tattoobook #samoatattoo by @will.cattersel

Extremely proud to announce the pre order of Fingerprints of the Pacific by @will.cattersel! - Books will go out in July. Canadian Folks please go to @lifersbooks 🇨🇦 and Europeans go to our friends @coenen_publishing 🇪🇺 - FIRST 50 Orders will come with a limited print in all three teretories.
“ For centuries, tattooing held a central place in the cultures of the Solomon Islands, where intricate designs marked status, identity, achievements, and connections to ancestors. Across these islands tattooing was a vital expression of community and spirituality, far beyond simple body art. In recent times, much of this knowledge has faded, with few detailed sources remaining. Recognizing the urgency of preserving these traditions, Fingerprints of the Pacific was created to document, reconstruct, and share the tattooing heritage of the Solomon Islands through years of research, archival material, early photographs, and input from elders who are working hard to protect their customs.

The book focuses on the unique patterns and symbolism across different island groups, offering faithful reconstructions rooted in cultural authenticity rather than modern reinterpretation. None of this would not have been possible without the contributions of the local artists and tattooer Will Cattersel, whose research and collaboration helped shape this work. More than a collection of designs, this book is a tribute to living traditions and identities, made with deep respect for the people and the cultures it represents. Let the images speak for themselves, and may this book bring lasting recognition to the islands and their remarkable heritage”. by @will.cattersel

Part 5: Tattooing

The Solomon Islands tattoo revival project.

Over a period of 6 weeks we worked 7 days a week, often in day and night shifts completing dozens of authentic tattooing patterns in order to spark a tattoo revival and honor the cultural heritage from the Polynesian Outliers in the Solomon Islands.

This program would not have been possible without the friendship and dedication of my fellow tattooers Kiu Angiki, Saukiu Angikitasi (@angikitasi_15 ) and Bolland Kaitu’u ( @bollandkaituu ). But, of course it goes without saying that the support and efforts of the entire team made the experience to what it eventually ended up being: a greater success than any of us could have imagined.

I’m eternally grateful for their commitment, friendship and help during the entire 6 weeks. If you ever want to get tattooed by the right people, these are the once to get in contact with.

Music: Taoba by @kmkkaumaakonga
They make wonderful renditions of songs from Rennell & Bellona.

#solomonislandstattoo #polynesiantattoo #pacifictattoo #indigenoustattoo #tribal #culturalheritage #tattoo #melanesiantattoo #melanesia #tattoorevival #micronesiantattoo #amsterdamtattoo #tribaltattoo #polynesia #warriortattoo #tattoohistory #expedition #traditionaltattoo #tattoobook #samoatattoo #solomonislands #pacific #indigenousart by @will.cattersel

New available concepts.
Can be tattooed as a whole or partly. Adjustable to your liking and body.

I’m also looking for people (with little or no tattoos) who would be willing to let me draw on some of the full body concepts and are okay with getting photos taken. I can offer a small tattoo or artwork as a trade. DM for info.

#tribaltattoo #polynesiantattoo #blackwork #pacifictattoo #tattoodesigns by @will.cattersel

‘Blossoms in the moonlight’

Hand painted sculpture with patterns that are available for tattooing as a whole concept or partly.

If you are interested in getting any of this composition tattooed, feel free to reach out.

#tribaltattoo #polynesiantattoo #pacifictattoo #blackwork #abstracttattoo by @will.cattersel

Handpainted jacket I did for one of the best and most supporting people around me @louise_schiffmacher 🖤

Always open to commissions.

#tattoo #handpaintedjacket #tribaltattoo #polynesiantattoo #tribalart by @will.cattersel

‘The path forth’

When living in and with our oceans, it’s not hard to figure out that small fish attract bigger fish, which in their turn attract larger predators and so it becomes the perfect hunting ground to provide food for one’s family and friends.

The concept that those who surround us with love can live in good health and without hunger is by some considered true happiness and wealth.

Therefore wearing a small fish on the body will lure in abundance and good fortune, while the shadows of the frigate birds floating over us in the skies lets us know that we are home. As home is where the birds sing and fly.

Thank you R. for the trust.

#tribaltattoo #polynesiantattoo #pacifictattoo #spiritualtattoo #abstracttattoo by @will.cattersel

‘One tribe. One people’

Let’s celebrate each others differences. Let’s share, embrace and spread each other’s cultures. Let us all keep diversity alive together.

We are one people, and we are not here to bring one another down or live in a world that focusses on division based on ethnicity, descent, religion, color, heritage or markings on our bodies. There is beauty in all of us and praising each other’s beauty does not make us weaker, quite the contrary, standing united only makes us stronger.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Love will always conquer.

All these designs are available for tattooing.

I am in the business of rendering a service to this community for the group of people who choose to have their bodies decorated in some way or another.
I choose to pursue my profession with intelligence and skill, wishing not to offend anyone, but instead, with my love of mankind, do what good I can do before I die.

#tattooart #polynesiantattoo #tribaltattoo #blackworktattoo #bodysuit by @will.cattersel

In spring 2027, I will be travelling to Micronesia as part of an ongoing project rooted in genuine interest, respect and a willingness to learn.

This is not my culture, and it never will be. I am an outsider. But I believe that approaching one another with curiosity, compassion and respect can build bridges. Especially in a world that is becoming increasingly homogenised and intolerant of difference.

* I believe cultural differences should be recognised, appreciated and protected, not used to divide people.
* My intention is not to claim or “discover” anything. I want to gather, document and organise knowledge that is already out there and help make it more accessible to people on the islands, their diaspora and anyone sincerely interested.
* This project is being developed alongside local cultural practitioners who see value in it and who continue to preserve and revive their traditions on their own terms.
* It has already resulted in a book focusing on tattooing patterns from the Solomon Islands, with a portion of the profits going directly towards projects run and coordinated by local partners to support cultural revival.
* I am not the only person doing this work. Many people, both on and off the islands, have dedicated years to keeping these traditions alive. They are the ones who deserve the recognition and credit.

I am not here to take. I am here to listen, learn and contribute where I can.

This is a long and complex story, far too extensive to tell in a short reel. Respect and integrity are central to this project, and I know that good intentions alone are not enough.
If you have knowledge, criticism, context or information that could help me approach this more responsibly, please reach out. I am always open to learning and improving.

Hate speech, however, will not be tolerated.
We are all in this together.

#culturalheritage #polynesiantattoo #tribaltattoo #micronesia by @will.cattersel

‘The dots connect on the birds’ flight’

Embracing every day as it comes, knowing it will lead us in the right direction.

Thank you for the trust and commitment.

#handtattoo #femininetattoo #tribaltattoo #polynesiantattoo #eleganttattoo by @will.cattersel

Available concepts.

20+ pages with my own created designs that are ready to go as a whole, partly or adjusted to your preferences and body.

If you have any questions regarding the patterns or their symbolism always feel free to reach out.

Embrace diversity, get tattooed.

#tattoodesign #tattooflash #tribaltattoo #polynesiantattoo #abstracttattoo by @will.cattersel

our favorite @will.cattersel is back. will published a beautiful book about tribal tattooing of the solomon islands throu @tribal_publishing and works at @schiffmacherveldhoentattooing by @will.cattersel