ingenious artist, called Aranghie, arrived to
carry on this important branch of his art,
which was soon placed in requisition, for all
the mighty men in the neighbourhood were
one by one under his operating hands.
As this “ professor ” was a near neighbour
of mine, I frequently paid him a visit in his
4 studio,” and he returned the compliment
whenever he had time to spare. He was considered
by his countrymen a perfect master
in the art of tattooing, and men of the highest
rank and importance were in the habit of
travelling long journeys in order to put their
skins under his skilful hands. Indeed, so
highly were his works esteemed, that I have
seen many of his drawings exhibited even
after death. A neighbour of mine very lately
killed a chief who had been tattoo’d by
Aranghie, and, appreciating the artist’s work
so highly, he skinned the chieftain’s thighs,
and covered his cartouch box with it.
I was astonished to see with what boldness
and precision Aranghie drew his designs
upon the skin, and what beautiful
ornaments he produced ; no rule and com