(Standing on Right) Taka Jamir, tattooist and proprietor of Skin Canvas with his business partner (Left) Charlie.
Akangchila Longchar
Morung Express Feature
“There are two types of people in this world: those who have tattoos and those who are afraid of those who have tattoos”, rightly said an unknown commentator. Although there is no more tattoo custom these days, Tattoo culture among Nagas are as old as mankind itself. The Naga tattoos were a rite of passage made to mark achievement, valor, bravery, beauty, identification and status in the society. It was practiced among the communities of the Ao, Chang, Phom, Pochury, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Sangtam, and Yimchungru.
Whether as a piece of decoration, or to make a personal statement, Modern Tattoos are certainly evolving. Exhibit: the numerous tattoo artists and studios cropping up in Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung. More and more people today are expressing their thoughts and emotions in the form of body art known as Tattoo. Also, many youngsters are seriously taking the art as a viable career option.
Claiming to have made more than 5000 tattoos since 2004, Taka Jamir, tattoo lover and professional has been at this art for nearly a decade. From Longkhum village, of the Ao tribe and residing in Dimapur, Taka has been spilling ink since 2004 when the art was still at its raw stage with tattoo enthusiasts and amateur tattooist making tattoos using home made equipments that was basically a ‘motor machine with a needle strapped to it’. Taka testifies that he perfected his craft through this crude procedure. With no formal training sans assisting in a tattoo studio at Bangkok, Taka says that he has always been inclined towards the art of tattoo making, ever since he was a young kid. He recollects that it was the first memories of seeing tattoos on old men that led him towards a love for tattoos.
He opened his first studio, Tribal Tattoo Studio in 2004, which ran successfully till the year 2009. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and shows, the most known among them being at the “Hornbill Festival” in 2008 where he opened a stall. He has also participated in “NEZCC Food Festival” at Shilpgram, Guwahati in 2007 and then at “Autumn Fest”, Meghalaya in 2006, 2007 and 2008 consecutively. Currently Taka is part of tattoo studio “Skin Canvas”, which he owns with his partner, Charlie.
Commenting on the stereotypes of tattoos, Taka agrees that people wrongly perceive that Tattoos are only for the rebels, bikers and those living on the wilder side of life. He says that he also gets a lot of tattoo requests from women customers, which was not the case earlier. “However, youths still hide from their parents and get tattoos done,” he said. However, he also maintains that he would not tattoo on really young kids and would generally advise them first.
He lists TV shows like Miami Ink as a big influence on him. He also says that he is more interested in Naga tribal art and expresses the want to promote Naga culture through his tattoos. He says that one part of the body, he would not tattoo would be the neck as the skin is too soft and flexible. When asked if he would point out the negatives of a particular tattoo design and color to a potential client, he said that he is used to advising his clients, and many times even mange to convince them.
A man of few words, letting his art do most of the talking, Taka says that his mom did not initially agree to his choice
of profession.
However, he fondly says that it was his mother who ended up supporting his business. Having faced struggles himself, Taka admits a readiness to help new tattooist. He even says that he has had young people come and borrow his equipments and ink. He also says that Skin Canvas adheres to every safety precautions necessary while making a tattoo.
Taka reveals that the studio is managing well for the time being. However he does admit that the current scenario in Nagaland does not allow for the art to be full-fledged. He says that youngsters do not have the money right now to get professionally done tattoos. Thereby he says that for those thinking of opening shop or taking the art as a career, for the time being, it is definitely not a guaranteed option. Taka says that during off season, there is hardly even one customer in a month so a tattoo artist should not confine to one pace but travel around. He says, “I am not saying tattooing is not a good business, but from my experience it is good to travel instead of remaining at one place,” he says. He himself has been travelling often to Shillong, Kolkata and Delhi. Taka hopes that in the near future, the art of tattoo making catches up. He feels that young people finally understand the concept of tattoos. Ask Taka where he sees himself five years from now. Still tattooing? He passionately replies, “This is my job, I will never stop”.
Skin Canvas is located at Zakim Complex, 1st Floor, above Café 77, opposite SBI evening branch, Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur.
