traditional tatau

I want to get some more ink done but I think I want to go traditional, if I can. I would like to have it done the (original) tribal way with the combs that are dipped into ink and tapped into the flesh. Does anyone know who, in the Midwest (Indianapolis area specifically), that does this? Thanks, Mark

Unless your'e willing to travel far, I'd look to see what conventions are coming in the next year or two that are close to where you live. See if there might be any artist offering hand poked tattoo and contact them. I would assume since this type of tattooing takes a long time that it will be expensive, so be prepared. Also, since it is so time consuming, these artists will get booked up quickly since they can't pump out the work like traditional machine tattooing. So setting up an appointment a year or so in advance may be appropriate. Good Luck! I too am wanting to get some tebori done on my chest...I hear it is a wonderful experience. However,I hear that the maori style tatau is quite painful. They use a chisel like tool to carve the lines out first, then use a sharpened comb-like bone to hammer in the ink. Ouch! But they can be very beautiful.

Thanks for the reply. I figured it would be difficult to find inside the continental US, let alone the Midwest, but, and I think I share your sentiments, the end product will be worth the time, search, and pain! Thanks again.

You know, If your willing to travel in the U.S. I have heard over the last few years that Chris Trevino at Perfection Tattoo in Austin has been spending a lot of his time in Japan learning tebori.And I hear he now offers it at his studio. In fact, I started a thread here to see if someone could confirm those rumors... I just haven't taken the time to call him to see if it's actually true or not. But this may be an option for you.