toos has created a sisterhood, the markings like a secret handshake among them. Except nothing is secret when worn on the face. “We recognize each other’s markings; we see a sister,” is how Jacobsen puts it. “We know the strength and bold courage that she had to muster to dare to wear her foremother’s markings. It’s still very political and full of conflict. We know and understand this when we mark Inuit women. It brings us closer.” TAPPING INTO THE SOUL
Western-style tattoo machines vibrate and buzz. Inuit techniques are quiet. With either style, poking the skin is like poking the soul. It’s not uncommon for women to get emotional as the pain within seeps out.
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A L A S K A H U M A N I T I E S F O R U M S U M M E R 2017
“When you, as a tattooist, puncture someone’s skin and alter their appearance for life, you get an insight into that person’s spirit,” Jacobsen explained. “It is absolutely enhanced when we do traditional markings due to the deeper connection and intention behind the markings. The trail that leads to reconnection is paved with stories from thousands of years ago and tears that come from disconnection... “It is never ‘just a tattoo session’ when you mark an Inuk woman’s face. Never.” Through the way of the needle, women often share their stories during tattoo sessions. That’s one of the major themes Tupik Mi will explore: the power of art to heal. “One of the things that’s most beautiful about it, is that it’s primarily by women for
LEFT: Greenlandic tattoo artist Maya Sialuk Jacobsen. Photo by Michael Conti
TOP: Holly Nordlum tattoos Sarah Whalen-Lunn. Photo courtesy of Holly Nordlum
BOTTOM: Onlookers
watch as Jacobsen, on her first visit to Anchorage, demonstrates skinstitched tattooing on Nordlum. Sarah Whalin-Lunn, in the red plaid shirt, later became an member of the Inuit tattooing apprenticeship program.
Photo by Michael Conti