PATTERNS OF LIFE
IN SEARCH OF THE LAST TRADITIONAL TATTOOS
8 X 30 MIN DOCU-SERIES
SERIES SYNOPSIS
Long before a written language existed, humans marked their bodies with tattoos. This visual language of the skin is rooted to a profound respect for nature, reciprocal relations, cultural identity and a strong interconnectedness with the spiritual body.
Patterns of Life is a documentary reality series following celebrities to some of the most remote corners of our planet to capture stories which have never been told. It is their mission to translate the indigenous language of the skin into a modern understanding, before these ancient stories disappear forever.
CELEBRITY SELECION
JASON MAMAOA
AMERICAN ACTOR
IDRIS ELBA
BRITISH ACTOR
ADAM LEVINE
LEAD SINGER MAROON 5
EPISODE 01 : ASIA
MYANMAR – IDENTIFYING TATTOOS
This episode takes you to the last generation of face tattooed women living in the remote mountain areas of Myanmar. We reveal the story of the full facial tattoos that once prevented the women of being kidnapped by outsiders. Today these symbols represent beauty and identity, indicating to which tribe they belong. It is said that without facial tattoos nowadays, it’s impossible to get married.
EPISODE 02 : NORTH AFRICA
TUNISIA – PROTECTIVE AND HEALING TATTOOS
This episode takes you to the last generation of face tattooed women living in the remote mountain areas of Myanmar. We reveal the story of the full facial tattoos that once prevented the women of being kidnapped by outsiders. Today these symbols represent beauty and identity, indicating to which tribe they belong. It is said that without facial tattoos nowadays, it’s impossible to get married.
EPISODE 03 : OCEANA
NEW ZEALAND – BLOODLINE TATTOOS
The artful and natural curved Tā Moko tattoos, explain all about the Maori history, lineages and wisdom of nature. This episode will give insight into the mechanisms of social rank, rituals, and the vital importance of the Maori bloodline. A story about the first nation people of New Zealand, and what combats the Maori face to co-exist in ‘modern’ New Zealand.
EPISODE 04 : ASIA
INDONESIA, MENTAWAI – SPIRITUAL TATTOOS
he people on the Mentawai islands fled deep into the jungle because their cultural practices were threatened. One of which is tattooing. We are curious to learn more about the Mentawai tattoos as it is believed they are deeply interconnected with nature and spiritual beliefs. This episode portrays the life of a Shaman and what it takes to earn the corresponding and highly valued tattoos.
EPISODE 05 : WEST AFRICA
BENIN – SCARIFICATION TATTOOS
This episode takes place in Benin, West Africa, to capture the special scarification tattoos of the Fulani tribe. An exclusive insight into the cultural significance of these body markings and the painful process the youngsters undertake as a rites of passage.
EPISODE 06 : EUROPE
AMSTERDAM- BIKER TATTOOS
In this episode, we investigate a ‘modern tribe’ and the mystic behind biker tattoos. We dive exclusively into the notorious biker’s culture of the Hells angels in Amsterdam and reveal how tattoos create a mutual partnership within this close group of friends. Who are often associated with violence and crime.
EPISODE 07 : SOUTH AMERICA
AMAZON – MAGICAL TATTOOS
An expedition into the territories of the Matsés, the inhabitants of the vast Amazon in Brazil. This episode reveals life in the jungle, facial tattoos, ceremonial practices, and the use of toxins from giant tree frogs as a stimulant for hunting expeditions. The Matsés believe that they gain spiritual guardians and spiritual powers with their tattoos. The Matsés are the gatekeepers of the ancient wisdom of the Amazon.
EPISODE 08 : INDIA
CHHATTISGARH – HOLY TATTOOS
The Ramnami, labeled as untouchable, coped with complete social oppression for generations. As a non- violent movement, the Ramnami tattooed their whole bodies in the name of their lord Ram. In this episode, we learn about community empowerment in times of the Indian caste system. Their stories and patterns are on the brink of extinction. Making this episode a last tribute to their powerful movement.
