Hawaiian Henna Natural Body Paint The ancient art of Henna painting (Mehndi), has been used in many countries; India, North Africa, Egypt; as a natural and temporary tattoo. Decorating the body has long been a symbol of strength, beauty and expression.
The ancient Hawaiians used painting (Kakau- Hawaiian for tattoo) in ceremonies of hula, marriage, war, and celebrations. In Polynesia, body painting identified family clans. The early European sailors who explored Polynesia were greatly intrigued by the tattooed Polynesians, and were tattooed while in the islands. Thus, sailors are synonymous with tattoos!
