The
Vanishing Tattoo:
The Reviews
Thomas Lockhart and Vince Hemingson are two beefy Canadians with a personal and anthropological interest in tribal tattoos. In this engrossing documentary they head up the Sekrang River in Borneo to document the dying art of hand-tapped tattoos sported by the Iban, a tribe of former headhunters who believe the markings make them visible to their gods. In a longhut hung with skulls, Vince succumbs to the needle — and starts a new craze that could keep the Iban’s traditions alive.
GS,
London Times Online
"In the style of Indiana Jones, adventurers Hemingson and Lockhart take participant observation to the max in this gritty, passionate and, best of all, ethnographically accurate exploration of the little-known world of indigenous Iban tattooing."
Dr. Dorothy Kennedy, Cultural Anthropologist, Co-Author of
Indian Myths and Legends from the North Pacific Coast of North America with Ethnographer/Linguist Randy Bouchard
I was way up river in Iban country in the early 70’s. The Vanishing Tattoo is a great film that captures every detail as I remember it. For most it’s a hot, humid, damp Hell Hole, but to some, it's paradise. Make plans to see The Vanishing Tattoo and enjoy everything about this tattoo adventure. Plus it’ll save you a long, hot, wet boat ride and a few blisters on your ass."
Lyle Tuttle,
Tattoos.com
"WOW!"
Flo Makofske,
National Tattoo Association
“The Vanishing Tattoo is a fascinating film that goes in search of the magic behind the ancient art of tattooing. The film reveals tattooing as a timeless aspect of human culture, one that is in danger of disappearing. You won't want to miss this amazing journey into the heart of Borneo -- its tattooing and its people."
Adam Sky,
Tattoodles.com
"The history of tattooing is fragile. Projects like
'The Vanishing Tattoo' are important and necessary if we are to keep our history alive.”
C.W. Eldridge,
Tattoo Archive
"Plain and simple, no one is doing the important work of documenting the sacred art of tattooing among the indigenous tribes of the world except Hemingson and Lockhart. They should be commended and supported by all those who view tattooing as an important link between cultures -- past and present. Because of their vision, we can learn our connection to our fellow men and women, whatever their religion, color of skin or rites of passage. We at Skin & Ink applaud these two kilted lads for their audacity, perseverance and triumph over staggering odds."
Bob Baxter,
Editor in Chief,
Skin and Ink Magazine
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