Nowadays, Polynesian tattoos are very popular along with many other types. And now it won’t be too difficult to make one for yourself: you just need to choose a sketch and a good craftsman.
Story
The origin of such intricate patterns is quite interesting. Tattoos are called Polynesian because they originally appeared in Polynesia among the Maori tribe. The process of applying the pattern was considered sacred, so only priests had the right to fill them. And, as you might already guess, tattoos were not made for beauty either, each of them had a special sacred meaning and, according to people, was a kind of divine channel. The drawings could be on a specific part of the body (lower leg, chest, thigh, face, arms, etc.) or on several at the same time.
They also played a large role in the tribal society of that time. From tattoos one could determine about a person: character, tribe, occupation, origin and much more. However, it is worth noting the fact that only men could do it for themselves, but in no case women.
What it is?
Not to be confused with anything. Each of them consists of small patterns, geometric shapes, spirals, bends, lines and other details, which all together ultimately form an overall whole picture. For example, a turtle, a wave and much more. When choosing, you should know the meaning of a Polynesian tattoo. We will look at this in more detail below using specific examples.
Shark
The image of a shark denotes perseverance, fortitude, perseverance, because it is a strong and dangerous predator. Such a tattoo could be applied, for example, to fishermen so that it would protect them from other animals. Often this design was applied to the legs or chest.
TIKS
Tattoos in the Polynesian style in the form of masks are very interesting. They are also called TIKI. In ancient times, only hunters and tribal warriors could wear such images of masks. Why? Because it was these people who were exposed to greater danger due to their activities, and TIKI could protect them in difficult times, protect them from attacks by animals and people and, most importantly, from evil spirits. Such Polynesian masks have eyes, when looking into which all “evil spirits” are afraid. Typically, Polynesians had multiple TIKI mask tattoos on different parts of their bodies to ward off evil from all sides.
Turtle
You can often find such an image. The turtle is a symbol of protection, since its durable shell will never allow anything bad to break through: negative energy, misfortunes, bad thoughts and emotions. It is also a very strong amulet, as the Polynesian tribes believed.
Sun
It is a symbol of energy, life, light. Such a tattoo seems to illuminate the path of a person’s life. The sun is depicted in different ways, which also affects the meaning. For example, sunrise means an influx of energy, awakening, and sunset means rebirth.
Moon
In contrast to the Sun, there is another equally important symbol. The Moon (as well as the Month) in general denotes everything related to fortitude, and also serves as a kind of figurative source of light and protection for hunters.
Scat
In nature, the stingray is generally harmless, but at the same time poisonous. These cute creatures are perceived by Polynesians as a symbol of calm, regularity, grace and beauty, which can, however, hurt if encroached upon.
Lizard
As you can see, the Polynesians, with images and patterns on the body, sought to adopt all the best features and qualities personified by these objects or creatures. The same thing happened, for example, with the drawing of a lizard. They come in different types, but they are all distinguished by speed, resourcefulness, and courage. As a rule, such tattoos were worn by warriors so that they would help them in difficult times. If a lizard was depicted with a turtle, this meant that the bearer of the tattoo was a man of his word.
Spiral
But a kind of spiral was considered a sign of hope and the beginning of a new (better) life. Another name is Koru. Spirals can be closed or open. In the first case, this means infinity, constancy, self-development, and in the second - renewal and restoration.
Meaning of symbols
Above we looked at the main options for images and drawings, which are made up of patterns and details. However, in addition to them, there are also smaller, but no less important symbols of the Polynesian tattoo, each of which also has its own meaning. As a rule, large drawings are also created from them.
These symbols are interesting not only from the point of view of the history of tattooing, but also for studying the culture and mentality of the tribes of Oceania as a whole. For example, the famous traveler and ethnographer Carl von den Steinen at the end of the 19th century (1897-98) made a lot of useful notes regarding the life of Polynesian tribes. He passed them on to other scientists and universities. In his notes, he also touched on the symbols to which the Polynesians attached great importance.
Let's take a closer look at the meanings of these pictures.
Enata
A person (otherwise known as “enata”) is a fairly simple symbol. As a rule, it occurs as part of complex drawings and denotes close people. If enata is reversed, it symbolizes defeated enemies.
Also, many Polynesian peoples depicted a circle of these little people, translated as “cloudy sky,” which symbolizes the sky, as well as all ancestors who, according to legend, can patronize the living.
But the likeness of two figures united together usually depicts a marriage, a wedding, a couple.
Enata symbols are very easy to confuse with other images of warriors in the form of the same human figures. But there is a significant difference between them - the presence of a spear. And the meaning of such drawings is already different.
It is worth noting that it is not always possible to recognize the symbols of men in a Polynesian tattoo. Some variations are so simplified that they represent a kind of geometric image that only slightly resembles a person.
Items
Small simplified images of objects could also make up a whole picture. So, for example, to designate a human warrior, spears, arrowheads, sharp objects (fangs, stings) and other battle weapons could be drawn on it. They were also often made into a long chain or circle.
Another indispensable item in the life of the Polynesians, which was both a weapon for battles and used to build houses/canoes, was the hoe. It symbolized skill, strength, respect.
But by the design of the club it was possible to identify the leader of the tribe, since only they used it in battles. This item denotes leadership, nobility, honor, respect, honor. In general, all the qualities of an ideal leader.
Animals
Among other simple symbols, the inhabitants of the islands in Oceania often tattooed them on the bodies of animals. For example, centipedes were often depicted. They are, like stingrays: generally harmless, but poisonous, therefore dangerous and symbolize courage, the spirit of struggle.
Lizards (geckos, mokos), which often appear in the ancient myths of many peoples, also have a special sacred meaning. Polynesian tribes believe that these animals bring good luck and protection, protection from evil spirits. In some cases, the image of a moko signified divine origin.
Another important animal in Polynesian tattoos is the turtle (“honu”). Represents family, fertility, longevity, peacefulness, ocean, freedom. The whale symbol also has a similar meaning.
Fish was important to the islanders as it was the main source of food. And that is why the image with a fish meant abundance, prosperity, life. But the pattern in the form of scales, it was believed, could be protection for humans.
Often, island residents tattooed themselves with sharks, or rather, with their sharp triangular teeth. This symbol means strength and courage. It is believed that the pattern can protect in water. In addition, there is also a hammerhead shark symbol, which also symbolizes sociality and friendship.
How to get a Polynesian tattoo these days?
If earlier not every person, but only men of some tribes in Oceania, could afford such tattoos, now everything has become much simpler and more accessible. If you have gone through the directory of Polynesian tattoos and have firmly decided to make yourself the desired design, then now you need to find a master in a tattoo parlor. In such places, as a rule, many of the tattooists know how to do such things. They draw a sketch or immediately type in the chosen image. You can get yourself a neat Polynesian tattoo on your arm or fill your entire body; the scope for realizing your fantasies is quite wide.
However, many believe that such patterned designs should be made in Polynesia. And indeed, only there you can feel the entire sacredness of such an action. Often, drawings are made there in the same way as the distant ancestors of the Polynesians did, using the fang of an animal (for example, a shark or a wild boar). It is worth noting that this is a painful, but at the same time more impressive process.
The Polynesian tattoo is deeply symbolic and seems a little rough. In the article we will talk about the meaning and features of the images, and also provide an original selection of photos with sketches.
The first body designs appeared on the Pacific Islands. For the Indians, they were like memoirs: they talked about their status in society, exploits, physical and spiritual development. It was believed that the image connected a person with the gods and significantly influenced his fate. The Polynesian tattoo was tattooed exclusively by priests over several months. Procedure accompanied by special rituals and songs to support the man. The priest attached a stencil with an image to the body, used a hammer and a sharpened tooth to cut out the elements and covered them with dye. The pigment was made from the resin of coniferous trees. The blood was constantly wiped away - not a single drop should fall to the ground. After the procedure, the juice of tropical plants was rubbed into the skin to make it pale, creating a contrast of black lines and a white body. Men were expelled from society if the drawing was not completed.
The nobility had more body designs than people of low status. Men most often got Polynesian tattoos on their faces (especially leaders), in the area from the waist to the knees. Large spirals were applied to the buttocks (closed meant infinity and perfection, unfolded meant renewal and restoration). The patterns on the chest and wrist determined a person’s position in society. An ornament on the forehead meant success in battle, on the cheeks - profession, on the chin - origin. Women had fewer designs; they were mostly applied to the lips and chin.
Sketches of Polynesian tattoos were brought to the West by an assistant of James Cook at the end of the 18th century. The navigator introduced the word “tattoo” into the English language, which, translated from the tribal dialect, meant either “beating” or “drawing”.
Features of Polynesian tattoos
A tattoo in the Polynesian style looks rough and massive, hidden aggressiveness is visible. A drawing or pattern consists of thin, wide and short lines, zigzags and waves that form geometric shapes. There is no play of color palette and shadows, abstraction and blurred contours. The pictures are symmetrical and clear, made with black pigment, although now you can add a little color or complement the image with bright colors. This tattoo looks gentle and feminine and is common among girls.
Each element has a deep meaning and carries a great energy charge that can change the fate of the owner. Lines in the form of fish scales protect him from warning danger and enemies. The bonito or tuna element signifies energy, resourcefulness and skill, and can be part of a pattern or animal. It is depicted in the form of teeth arranged in two rows so that white diamonds appear in the middle. Shark teeth (several black triangles connected by one line) - protection in the water, fearlessness, strength, the ability to adapt in any situation. The legend says that while swimming, one girl was bitten by a shark. In response, she was not confused, but shouted her name. The predator apologized and swam away. The marks left by the teeth are a mark that the girl is her friend. Since then, shark teeth (niho mano) have been applied to the ankle.
The Polynesian design is quite complex, so many people go to Tahiti, Easter Island, Samoa or Haiti to have it applied by a qualified artist. However, after the Spanish conquerors, many sources were destroyed and the meaning of some symbols is unknown. You also need to take into account that Polynesian tattoos are divided into several subtypes; each island has its own motives and methods of application. In Hawaii, ornaments, images of skulls, wreaths and flowers predominate; on the island of Samoa, tattoos are applied the old-fashioned way: not with a needle, but with a pig’s or shark’s tooth.
A tattoo in the Polynesian style must be carefully selected in terms of meaning, volume and location. Lines and small figures can get lost in the curves of the body, the drawing will turn out to be cropped, so it is necessary to take into account the relief of muscles and muscles.
Legends and meaning of symbols
Each image has deep symbolism, imbued with legends and beliefs.
It is believed that the Polynesian-style sun tattoo appeared on the body of the Indians first. It illuminates the path of life, and after death it does not allow one to go into darkness. The drawing denotes life and immensity, good luck in your endeavors, and brings positivity and happiness. The rising luminary is a symbol of new life and wisdom, the awakening of energy, and the sunset is the rebirth of all living things.
The Polynesian moon is often used in images of women. She personifies femininity, spiritual strength and greatness, dedication to the chosen cause. Drawing is often found among businessmen, as it helps to achieve their goals. If he is depicted with a dolphin, he will be interpreted as a wise leader. The moon is always depicted as the abiding month and protects hunters. Together with the sun, it gives a chance to make impossible plans possible, supports ambitious and purposeful people.
The Polynesian turtle tattoo is also revered among beautiful ladies. She represents family, fertility and longevity. Helps to find harmony of spirit with body, is a talisman of the hearth and protection from misfortunes. The turtle and the sunrise signify hard work. Polynesian warriors used her shell as a shield, so the design has another meaning: strength of body and spirit, stamina and poise. According to legend, the turtle carries souls to the kingdom of the dead, therefore, after death, the Polynesians applied to the body the sign of a person walking nearby or sitting on the shell.
The image of a shark means perseverance and power, protection from enemies and troubles. Among the Polynesian people, she was a sacred animal; they worshiped her power and strength. A picture of a fish in the form of a triangle means resistance to troubles; if depicted under a luminary, it means imperishable strength and power; together with a dolphin, it means strong and true friendship.
The body design of a lizard is a connection with the gods and access to other worlds. According to legend, the gods come to humans exclusively in the form of a gecko, so the image personifies the supernatural power that passes to the owner. For warriors, tattoos meant physical strength, hardness, endurance and speed. If a lizard was stuffed with a turtle, it means that the person is responsible for his words and actions.
Warriors and hunters wore the Tiki deity mask to protect themselves from evil spirits and death. The image suits temperamental and courageous men. The picture can be supplemented with various elements: shark teeth, tuna, birds, waves, people.
The Polynesian stingray tattoo signifies elegance, spiritual beauty, grace and freedom, and is a powerful protection. Often this image includes hooks symbolizing good luck, tiki masks - protection from all evil, a hibiscus flower - beauty, a cross - harmony and balance, and shark teeth. Each drawing can be supplemented with other details. The stingray was revered by the Polynesians, as it was considered one of the most dangerous inhabitants of the oceans, and therefore can mean dexterity and cunning. This Polynesian tattoo can be done on the shoulder or back, or on the ankle and foot; it looks good on the lower back of girls.
Polynesian tattoos for men - physical and spiritual strength
The body pattern gives masculinity and brutality if applied to the back or forearm, covering part of the chest. A full length sleeve or from shoulder to elbow, from elbow to neck looks good.
Often men apply similar work on the leg to the knees, on the calves, on the side of the lower leg or from the foot to the thigh. The composition may consist of several patterns or a thin strip of ornament going down along the stomach or back.
Women's Polynesian tattoos - mystery and grace
The pictures look too massive for the female body, but you can choose beautiful images to make them seem light and delicate, not overloaded with wide lines. Polynesian-style tattoos are applied to the leg, arm and shoulder, but they look more feminine and luxurious on the shoulder blade, back, and lower back. Pictures of lizards or stingrays look more elegant when the tail is depicted as a flexible or twisted ring. The composition can be supplemented with flowers or ferns (calmness and peace), butterflies and dragonflies (spiritual transformation), birds (freedom and control over the situation from above).
Polynesian tattoos do not combine well with bright and voluminous images of other styles. You should not fill the drawings too small: each picture consists of a large number of different details, they can visually merge into a black and white spot. The beauty and grandeur of the body painting will be lost.
Photo of tattoo in Polynesia
On the shoulder
Sleeve
Sun
Turtle
Shark
On the foot
On the chest
Bull
Bear
Moon
On the back
On the forearm
According to one version, the history of tattooing began at the end of the 19th century with the invention of the electric tattoo machine. But this is only one of the stages of its development. It all started much earlier, on the islands of Polynesia. Even the name itself appeared as a derivative of the Polynesian word “tatau”, which means “drawing”.
And, although art was isolated from most continents, it originated there. The task of the “tatau” was quite important: to tell about the status of the owner, to protect, to reveal his inner potential. Symbols in Polynesia were applied to the arms, shoulders, legs... Almost the entire body, including the face, although they were not considered decoration. In addition, it was more of a male privilege - some drawings had to be earned by proving superiority and strength. And the custom of tattooing itself was considered sacred.
How did Polynesian tribes and symbols spread to Europe? The credit goes to the sailors traveling around the world. It was they who adopted the tradition from the Indians and became the first owners of old school tattoos. And also among sailors the custom arose of looking at drawings as talismans of good luck. Of course, their ideas had nothing to do with Polynesia, but they seriously influenced history as a whole.
Men's tattoos in Polynesian style
Beautiful, original patterns consisting of bends, spirals and waves attract people with extraordinary imagination. These are strong, bright personalities who strive for development. Among them are actors, athletes, musicians, natural leaders, and more. As on the Polynesian islands, the drawings are selected to suit the character and goals of the customer. For example, a shark symbolizes predation, strength and independence. And the turtle means calm, harmony, longevity. At the same time, both of them are characterized by wisdom. And both of them will fit perfectly on the shoulder. Just tell the master about your wishes, and he will create a unique sketch for you.
Polynesia for girls
Women feel the world around them very subtly. Intuition, wisdom, love help with this... That's why Polynesia tattoos are so suitable for them - they reflect their essence and help them unlock their potential. Even a large tattoo on the thigh or back will be feminine and sexy - ethnic patterns follow the natural curves and relief. It is only important to position them correctly! Therefore, we recommend that you contact experienced craftsmen - professionals in their field!
This people have an ancient custom of making tattoos. Polynesians have a special talent in this skill. According to their beliefs, drawings on the skin can change a person’s character and strengthen his spirit.
Polynesians treat the ocean with awe and honor. If you look more closely, you will notice that their symbols in most cases are associated with water and its inhabitants.
Polynesian tattoos are characterized by a set of coded symbols that not only tell about the life of their owner, but also give him the necessary qualities. In addition, a tattoo is always an original, unique design, created by a master individually for a person.
Meaning of symbols
The meaning of Polynesian tattoos depends on the combination of elements that are depicted on them. The population of these islands identifies several main symbols that are most often present on tattoos.
- Sun- a sign that symbolizes eternity and life alternating with death. It is joy, luck and positive energy. Depicted as a circle and denotes the importance of life.
- Moon. If this is a crescent moon symbol, then it denotes femininity and vital abundance. The presence of both the Moon and the Sun on a tattoo tells of revealed secret possibilities - such a person is the master of his destiny.
- Water. The image of a spiral, wave or ribbon speaks of continuous changes that will last a lifetime. The spiral is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Anything that resembles a whirlpool of different sizes denotes life stages, and also tells about the past, future and present.
- Shark. This fish symbolizes strength, resilience, perseverance and power. She is a sacred creature in the water element. Polynesian shark tattoos protect against unfriendly people and outside threats. If teeth are depicted as an ornament, they can protect the wearer from all troubles and adversities.
- Turtle. A symbol of family security, health, long life and fertility creates harmony of soul and body. In ancient times, warriors used shells as shields. On a tattoo, this element protects against evil spirits.
The meaning of secondary drawings
In addition to the main symbols, Polynesian tattoos use images of additional elements. Each curl has a meaning and carries a certain meaning.
Ocean inhabitants
These creatures may be present in different parts of the picture. If it is a whale, it protects friendship, family and home. Dolphin is a symbol of harmony in relationships. The octopus allows you to quickly adapt and adapt to circumstances. The eel speaks of unpleasant events that a person has experienced. The stingray symbolizes external attractiveness and grace. Shells are interpreted as the wearer’s attachment to the hearth, which is filled with harmony, mutual understanding and love.
Birds and other aerial creatures
It is a symbol of freedom and good news. The meaning of Polynesian tattoos here is twofold. With these elements in the picture, a person becomes wary, but on the other hand, he can evaluate what is happening from above.
Drawn butterflies and dragonflies are a sign of magical transformations and changes in the soul.
People
Tattoos in the Polynesian style with the image of men represent a circle of family and friends who are able to provide support. The wearer is very grateful to these people. When the picture shows several drawn men who are connected by hands, this means a marriage relationship and children.
If a tattoo shows a man squatting, this is interpreted as the wearer’s belligerence and the ability to kill.
The image of a pair of eyes means ancestors watching over the wearer from heaven. One eye gives advantages over the enemy. This is how he intimidates and distracts the enemy.
Items
- The ax indicates that the person is a fighter. It symbolizes a courageous and courageous character.
- All kinds of cords are symbols of a strong relationship with loved ones.
- The boat protects the traveler or adventurer from obstacles on the road.
- A fishing hook is a symbol of good luck.
- Tics are quite common. Essentially, these are masks that protect against the evil eye. It happens that they are tattooed with the gaze directed in different directions, so that the owner of the tattoo is protected from all sides.
Plants
- Fern means calm and tranquility.
- Images of other leaves contribute to well-being and success in endeavors.
- The lotus is used to overcome difficult trials.
- Flowers symbolize beauty and perfection.
- The cross speaks of harmony.
Natural elements and elements
- Fire speaks of change.
- Stones and mountains signify achievement and stability.
It should be noted that these symbols have long been forgotten. The inhabitants of the islands themselves have already forgotten the secret knowledge. Despite this, there are quite a lot of fans of such interesting ornaments in Russia.
Polynesian tattoos, photos of which are presented in our article, can be ordered from a professional artist.
Tattoos in the Polynesian style became popular among Europeans relatively recently, in the first half of the twentieth century. Of course, they came into fashion thanks to their complex, bizarre and unusually beautiful patterns, consisting of spirals, waves, zigzags, and geometric shapes. Even modern world celebrities (for example, John Dwayne) were seduced by such tattoos.
But few people think about their true, original purpose. In the archaic Polynesian culture, tattoos served not just to decorate the body, but they were invested with a deep sacred meaning. With their help, contact was established with the transcendental upper world.
The very process of applying a tattoo was a sacred sacrament, a rite that only a priest could perform. Each drawing had its own meaning, influencing the fate of the wearer. This perception of body painting in the Polynesian picture of the world goes back to the ideas and rituals of the ancient Maori tribe.
A tattoo in Polynesia was a kind of calling card or, more precisely, it played the role of an identity document. She reported to what clan, and at the same time tribe, a person belongs, what social status he has, what feats and worthy deeds he has performed in life, what he has become famous for.
The sketches of Polynesian tattoos captured in the photo are reminiscent of ancient artistic wood carvings, which not only perform an aesthetic function, but are endowed with great sacred content. The tree in the primitive, especially totemic consciousness was also deified, spiritualized, and identified with the human body.
In mythological concepts, the human body was likened to the world, the Universe, and in the astral understanding it was divided into zones of intersection of various energy flows. It was on these areas that drawings were applied in order to block the influence of, for example, negativity, to bring good into life, correct character, change or improve fate, as if rewriting what was destined for it. The result directly depended on the image and the symbolism associated with it.
- in the ancient Polynesian sense, it personifies protection, an impenetrable energy shell that will not allow any evil forces into life. It also brings health, family strength, longevity
- means eternity, interconnection and continuity of life, as well as death. Attracts life-giving warmth, Happiness, goodness, success in planned enterprises.
- considered a powerful amulet. Protects from negativity. Gives inner freedom, sophistication and attractiveness.
- gives power, authority, willpower and perseverance. Protects from enemies and all kinds of harm.
- (and at the same time, a gecko, an iguana) reveals higher knowledge, the gift of clairvoyance, and enhances supernatural abilities.
And today, in our technological and civilized age, tattoos on some Polynesian islands have not lost their sacred meaning and are used to communicate with higher deities.
Video of tattoo in Polynesian style