Die Tätowirung Beider Geschlechter in Samoa
Berlin: Dietrich Reimer (Ernst Vohsen), 1899. First edition. Folio, 31 pp. + 19 plates printed on thick card stock. Bound in the publisher's original red cloth titled in black. Of the plates, 4 reproduce photographs, the others reproduce drawings and diagrams. One plate is a foldout of three panels. Text in German.
First edition of a landmark early tattoo book. Carl Marquardt was an amateur anthropologist and brother to Fritz Marquardt, former police chief of Apia. The two brothers were responsible for staging a series of "exhibitions" in Germany, in which troupe of Samoans traveled to Germany and performed in various locations, including the Frankfurt Zoo, where they made an indelible impression on a young Theodor Adorno. For an excellent account of the political and imperial motivations behind these exhibitions, see Christopher Balme's essay "New Compatriots: Samoans on Display in Wilhelminian Germany." The book at hand was immensely important in the history of tattoo books, include photographs of tattooed Samoans, including a photograph of a tattoo artist at work, as well as drawings of tattoos and tattoo implements.
Some fading to boards at spine, light bumping to the tips, and some minor rubbing and soiling to boards. There is a 3" closed tear to one plate, not affecting image. A sturdy, very good or bettere example, and scarce in this condition and in the original binding, with all plates present. Item #30196
Price: $2,000.00