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Dwayne Johnson Reveals 60-Hour Sacred Tattoo Journey

Dwayne Johnson has shared the profound meaning behind his iconic Polynesian tatau, which took over 60 hours to complete across three sessions. The 53-year-old star explained that each symbol represents gratitude to his ancestors and his life's journey. Before beginning the sacred tattooing process, Johnson and his artist prayed and drank kava together. Johnson will next appear in 'Jumanji: The Open World', the latest installment of the franchise.

Key Points: Dwayne Johnson's 60-Hour Sacred Tattoo Journey

  • Dwayne Johnson's tatau took 60+ hours over 3 sessions
  • Tattoo represents gratitude to ancestors, past, and future
  • Johnson and his artist prayed before starting the work
  • Johnson stars in upcoming 'Jumanji: The Open World'
2 min read

Dwayne Johnson recalls it took three sessions, 60 hours to complete his 'tatau'

Dwayne Johnson shares the deep meaning behind his iconic Polynesian tatau, which took 60+ hours and 3 sessions to complete.

"The art that is forever - Dwayne Johnson"

Mumbai, April 27

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson, who is gearing up for 'Moana' live-action, has shared the meaning behind his iconic tatau and tagged it as "the art that is forever".

"Tatau" is a sacred-ancient Polynesian tattooing tradition representing duty, identity, and service,

Johnson's iconic tattoo runs from his left shoulder to his forearm and chest. He posted a throwback picture of the art from when he was freshly inked.

Speaking of the journey, the former star wrestler shared that each symbol represents gratitude to his ancestors, past life, and future.

"'The art that is forever'. Every symbol, every marking, tells a very personal story that's a reflection of my gratitude for my ancestors and my life's past, my inspired hope for life's future, and the most important part of my life's story - to live fully present, in the now," Johnson wrote.

The 53-year-old star said that before getting to work, the actor and his artist prayed.

"My tattoo artist and I talked for hours, we definitely drank our kava, we definitely prayed ~ then we went to work."

It took over 60 hours to complete the tatau.

"3 total sessions. 60+ hours. My tatau was complete. Love and respect to the exceptionally talented Mr. Frédéric "Po'oino" Yrondi, whose artistry is reflected in tattoos that, two decades on, continue to embody our culture, heritage, and stories that have helped to shaped me, and that I'll proudly carry forever," he concluded.

Johnson will next be seen in the new installment of the Jumanji franchise titled 'Jumanji: The Open World'. The upcoming installment will bring back Hart as Franklin Finbar, Johnson as Dr. Bravestone, Jack Black as Professor Sheldon Oberon and Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse.

Jumanji first released in 1995, was directed by Joe Johnston, based on the 1981 children's picture book by Chris Van Allsburg. The film is the first installment in the Jumanji film series and stars Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde, and Bebe Neuwirth.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
60 hours? That's like sitting through three days of exams! 😅 But seriously, the Rock showing such reverence for Polynesian culture is heartwarming. It reminds me of how we preserve our own ancient traditions in India. More celebrities should take this approach—understand the meaning before getting inked.
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Kavya N
It's beautiful that he connects his tattoo to gratitude and living in the now. In our hectic Indian lifestyles, we often forget to pause and appreciate our roots. The kava ceremony before the tattoo—that's pure respect for tradition. Excited to see him in 'Moana' live-action! 🌊
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Arjun K
One thing I appreciate is how he calls it "tatau" not just a tattoo. It shows he understands the cultural weight. We see so many people in India getting meaningless tattoos from Instagram references. This is what true cultural appreciation looks like—research, prayer, and patience over 60 hours.
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Siddhartha F
As someone who has spent time in the Pacific Islands, I can confirm that tatau is indeed sacred. The Rock doing it right—with prayer and a master artist. But I wonder, in India, do we ever think about the ancient tattoo traditions in places like Nagaland or Madhya Pradesh? We have our own rich heritage to explore.
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Nikhil C
I respect the Rock for honoring his heritage, but let's be honest—60 hours of tattooing sounds incredibly painful! 😂 The man has seriously high pain tolerance. Also, praying before getting inked is something we can learn from—our own Bharatanatyam dancers and sadhus do similar rituals before getting their sacred markings.

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