And this tattooing, had been the work of a departed prophet and seer of his island, who, by those hieroglyphic marks, had written out on his body a complete theory of the heavens and the earth, and a mystical treatise on the art of attaining truth; so that Queequeg in his own proper person was a riddle to unfold; a wondrous work in one volume; but whose mysteries not even himself could read, though his own live heart beat against them; and these mysteries were therefore destined in the end to moulder away with the living parchment whereon they were inscribed, and so be unsolved to the last.
In the narrative, tattooing serves as a profound means of communication, representing the legacy of a departed prophet from Queequeg's island. The intricate designs on Queequeg's body symbolize a comprehensive philosophy concerning existence and the pursuit of truth. Each mark reflects deeper cosmic insights, making Queequeg an enigmatic figure, akin to an engaging yet baffling book that holds secrets beyond his own comprehension.
Ultimately, Queequeg’s tattoos encapsulate mysteries that are destined to remain unsolved, as neither he nor anyone else can fully decipher their meaning. This poignant concept emphasizes the transient nature of knowledge and the inevitability of some truths being lost with the passage of time, underscoring the idea that some aspects of human experience may remain enigmatic forever.