People have different reasons for getting a tattoo. Someone has dreamed of a tattoo since childhood, someone wants to become more unique; I like the designs on the body and many others. The same applies to the meaning of the tattoo, if it is important, in no case will he get it until he finds out, others just like it visually.
And yet, everyone is interested in what their tattoo means, and in this article we will analyze the meaning of the style, like Polynesia.
Origin
Polynesia is a network of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It includes more than 1000 islands. Once upon a time, the most famous art form on the islands was Polynesian tattoos. The process of applying a tattoo was a sacred sacrament, which was performed only by priests. And each drawing had its own meaning.
This style has its own sub-styles, since tattooing on the islands was different. The Polynesians covered their entire body with tattoos, while the Maoris reserved some parts of the body for tattooing; tattooing on the skin was limited. They differed visually and in semantic meaning. These are Hawaiian, Tongan, Tahiti, Amoan, Maori, etc.
A tattoo in Polynesia was something like a document that could tell about character, concessions or merits, and communicated what clan and tribe a person belonged to.
A tattoo was also not just a decoration, but a statement about a person, his status, for religious rites or sacrifices. On some islands, only priests had the right to tattoo. The peculiarity was that the tribes combined drawings, and this had a completely different meaning.
For example, a turtle means wisdom, the sun means life and longevity, and a turtle at dawn characterizes the wearer as a hard worker. Therefore, if it is important to you, it is better to contact a master who works only in this style and knows the history of the tribes and their secrets.
Meaning for guys
Most often, men put tattoos on their faces, which meant high status in the tribe. These could be masks that signified courage, or various patterns that carried information about a person. In addition to the lower parts of the body, men tattooed their chests and wrists, which gave them status in the hierarchy. They even applied tattoos to intimate parts and tongue.
Also, Polynesian warriors painted drawings in the form of a lizard or stingray, because these are calm-looking animals, but dangerous and nimble.
The most important and sacred animal was the shark; it carried the meaning of strength and courage, so it was stuffed with priests and warriors.
Meaning for girls
Polynesian women wore tattoos from the lips to the chin because they did not carry much information like warriors. The main sign was the month, which was a symbol of femininity and new life. Keith means protection, preservation of life in the house.
The sun is also common among women because it contains the meaning of eternity, life support, and serves as a talisman. For example, sunset meant the rebirth of everything.
Women get tattoos on their legs, arms or shoulders, but they look more feminine and elegant on the shoulder blades or back. Images of lizards or stingrays, when the tail is depicted as flexible or spiral, looks more beautiful and also means beauty and importance.
It is better not to combine Polynesian tattoos with bright and voluminous images of other styles, or to make small drawings, because each symbol consists of many different details, so they can merge into a black patch. But it won’t look as beautiful and cool as I wanted.
It is better for women not to make large drawings, it will not look aesthetically pleasing. It’s better to make several small ones next to each other, it will be more beautiful and special.
By getting a tattoo in the Polynesian style, you can be sure that your body will get a new, beautiful look that will evoke delight and a desire to understand the meaning of ancient symbolism.
One of the categories of tattoos that are especially popular these days are Polynesian tattoos. Such drawings are bright and visible from afar. But the distinctive feature of these images is not only the brightness and originality of the design, but also the deep meaning. Polynesian tattoos will make you feel the strength and power of a native Polynesian. Despite the popularity of this type of tattoo, the style of drawing remains new for many people.
Polynesian sleeve style
Origin of Polynesian style tattoos
The Polynesian Islands consist of a group of islands that are found in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous among them are Tahiti, Cook Island, Hawaii, Easter Island. Every person associates these islands with exoticism. It was here, on these fertile lands, that not only the original method of painting, but also the very concept of tattooing arose. This word comes from “ta” - picture and “atu” - spirit.
There is a legend that the Polynesian god Tiki taught the inhabitants to apply drawings on their bodies.
For the Polynesians, body paintings were not an easy way to decorate themselves. Tattoos demonstrated a person's occupation, his status among other inhabitants of the island, as well as individual characteristics and qualities. On the islands, the number of tattoos corresponded to the place a person occupied in society. Modern tattoos do not demonstrate social status, but convey the atmosphere of Polynesia and the character of the people.
Shoulder of a man in Polynesian patterns
Originality of the drawing
Polynesian tattoo designs consist of complex patterns and intricate shapes. The lines of the drawing curl or are applied straight, thus forming a separate composition or image. These can be geometric shapes, elements, animals, cosmic bodies and others. Each element of such a picture has its own meaning.
Important!
Only priests had the right to apply drawings on the human body. Because this process was not simply a decoration of the body, but a mysterious rite that could be identified with an act of initiation.
Hand bracelet made in Polynesian style
Traditions of the Polynesians
Tattooing, like the image itself, was an important ritual in the Polynesian Islands. The artist who drew the tattoo was a priest, and for his work he necessarily received gifts and, more valuable, the respect of the entire society. Since the process of applying a tattoo was lengthy, those who wanted to receive a body design and deserved it lived for a long time in the priest’s house. The “clients” prayed constantly.
Only leaders and their close circle could have a large number of large-scale tattoos. For others, the drawings were much simpler. Women had their lips tattooed to protect them from aging.
I'm crazy about Polynesian tattoos. And I myself am the owner of one. This drawing looks elegant, non-trivial and always attracts the attention of others. In addition, such a tattoo acts as a kind of totem and gives self-confidence and strength.
Artem, St. Petersburg.
Polynesian style tattoos on the forearm
Polynesian tattoos: a variety of design options
The process of drawing a picture, like the image itself, has many options that have developed traditionally. The Moko technique differed from the well-known image piercing technique. To perform this, a chisel was used to produce cut wounds.
Polynesian style turtle tattoo on back
Such designs were preferred by the Maori tribe; other inhabitants of the Polynesian islands were more traditional. Maori are also known for their tattoo motifs: pu-kauwae (spiral designs on the chin), pae-pae (spiral designs on the cheeks) and others. Such drawings determined the status of the Polynesian.
Polynesian tattoo designs differ from other body designs in their clarity of lines and shapes. This tattoo is very reminiscent of wood carving, creating the effect of a three-dimensional image. The elements used in tattoos are quite diverse: from spirals and lines to images of representatives of the animal world. It was the richness of the flora and fauna of Polynesia that became the source for body designs in the form of fish, moon, stars, ferns and other symbols. Images and additional details are placed symmetrically on the body. This gives special uniqueness and charm to the body pattern.
Polynesian tattoo on leg
The meaning of tattoos
Polynesian tattoo photos are freely available both online and in tattoo parlor catalogs. These drawings can tell a lot about their owner. Their symbols are quite deep and emphasize the main character traits of a person. Often such a tattoo can illustrate a person’s life credo, parting words, a kind of totem and amulet.
Modern lovers of body painting, when choosing Polynesian tattoos, often miss their meaning and use the drawing as a decorative element of the image.
- The shark symbolizes omnipotence, power and strength, and determination. Because the shark is perceived as a sacred animal, possessing power and fearlessness. This design is designed to protect the owner.
- Tiki is a popular symbol representing Polynesian masks. Such drawings protect the owner from external threats, as well as from evil spirits. The eyes on the mask look in different directions, which symbolizes attention and protection.
- Turtle – life expectancy, fertility. This pattern is a symbol of family and protection.
- Moon– a female version of the Polynesian tattoo. Because the Moon has become a symbol of femininity, femininity and abundance.
- Sun, as in other tattoos, embodies eternity and life. The combination of two luminaries - the Moon and the Sun - emphasizes that the impossible is possible.
- Lizards, geckos are a symbol of supernatural power.
Polynesian style blackwork on the leg
Before getting a tattoo, every person thought about the appropriateness of the action. I'm not an exception. Therefore, having finally made a decision, I determined for myself a category of tattoos that optimally expressed my essence and admiration for the art of body painting. For those who are also undecided, I advise you to consider this category as an option.
Alina, Omsk
Video: the best Polynesian style tattoos
Sketches of Polynesian tattoos
Polynesian tattoos are drawings or tattoo sketches that have their own history and are a separate style of the ancient people who lived on the coasts of the Pacific Ocean.
Polynesian style: history of origin
Tattooing in the Polynesian style is considered the oldest direction in the art of body designs. However, ethnic patterns began to gain popularity quite recently: around the first half of the 20th century. The main difference between Polynesian tattoos and modern ones is that only men had the right to get tattoos on their bodies.
In addition, they could only be applied if the person’s status allowed it. If a person had a desire to apply a Polynesian tattoo without certain merits, no one applied it. As a rule, people of high status had a large number of tattoos; ordinary people had very few designs on their bodies.
The process of applying a tattoo was considered a sacrament: it was a sacred rite. The ritual could only be carried out by the chief priest, and the drawing that was applied was a kind of “passport” of the man.
Based on the tattoo, one could easily determine what type of activity a person is engaged in, what tribe and social status he belongs to. In addition, it was easy to say what feats were accomplished and what this or that man became famous for.
It should also be noted that tattoos were placed on places where negative and positive energy flows coincided. Thanks to this, a tattoo could cover up the negativity that hindered a man, thereby improving his life.
Currently, the Polynesian tattoo style is becoming increasingly popular in tattoo parlors around the world. The truth is that the meaning that was previously in absolutely every drawing is no longer there. They began to be applied to the body more often due to their complexity and beauty. Each design has its own unique pattern, which consists of beautiful waves, spirals, zigzags and even geometric shapes.
In the modern world, Polynesian style tattoos are applied not only to the male body, but also to the female body. Therefore, you need to know what is best to depict on a girl’s body so that the tattoo does not look “heavy” or massive.
In order for a girl’s body to remain feminine, you should not draw wide lines, then they will give lightness. The most attractive tattoos for girls are lizards or stingrays, which can be complemented with flowers that impart calmness, butterflies or birds, symbolizing freedom.
Common Polynesian tattoos and their meanings
Hawaiian tattoos were performed in a distinctive style that came from the islanders. The main symbols of Hawaiian tattoos were fish, flowers, and animals. Drawings were applied for rituals of worship of gods on the bodies of both men and women. Such tattoos look quite harmonious, which is why they are popular to this day.
Tattoos of Indonesia, like Polynesia, were a “passport”. With the help of special ornaments it was possible to depict a person’s entire life: from the very beginning to the end.
Tattooing in Indonesia and Malaysia was considered a sacred rite, so only the chief priests had the right to get such tattoos. Each symbol that is drawn on the body is not depicted for the sake of a simple picture, but carries a deep meaning from various legends and beliefs. And in order to know what meaning is hidden in each tattoo, the most common tattoos in Polynesia will be presented below.
Polynesian tortoise
Even in ancient times, the turtle symbol was considered a protective amulet. This happened because the hard shell, according to ancient people, did not allow various evil forces to pass through it. In addition to strength and protection, the turtle also brings good health with long life, as well as a good and happy family.
Polynesian masks
Various masks were applied only to male warriors. It was believed that this tattoo protects in battle, and also protects from the evil eye and evil spirits. These masks are suitable for young, fearless guys who can always stand up for themselves.
Tiki mask
Polynesian patterns
As for Polynesian patterns, they are really very similar to each other, because they have the same elements, such as waves, zigzags, angles, and different lines. But we must not forget that each tattoo consists of a set of elements that have their own meaning, which does not intersect with other Polynesian tattoos.
Cross
As a rule, this symbol means an attitude towards faith. Previously, from the drawing it was possible to determine the class and tribe to which the person who wore a tattoo in the form of a cross belonged. This symbol can also mean harmony and strength of a man.
Sun
The sun illuminates the mind, thereby helping to achieve everything that a person has in mind. And in addition to clarity and warmth, it helps to find happiness, surround yourself with goodness and light.
Bear
It all depends on how the bear is drawn: it can be depicted as calm or aggressive. But if we consider what a tattoo depicting a bear means, we can note wisdom, the beginning of a new life, as well as power and perseverance.
Lizard
The lizard symbol opens the way to higher knowledge and enhances supernatural abilities.
Shark
Since ancient times, the shark has been considered the strongest animal, and in a tattoo it carries strength, perseverance and power.
Bull
The meaning of such a design made as a tattoo has always been clear: it signifies the embodiment of masculinity and strength. At all times, it was believed that the bull is a strong and invincible animal.
Ornament
Since ancient times, body ornaments have been considered decoration. Ornament is a pattern that is based on repeating elements. The ornament contained elements only of geometric shapes - circle, square, rhombus, oval. Moreover, each symbol has its own meaning. For example, a circle is the sun.
Best Places to Get Polynesian Tattoos
In ancient times, Maori tattoos were applied to the face to intimidate the enemy during battle. In the modern world, people don’t get tattoos on their faces, because there’s no one left to intimidate. Therefore, over time, the drawings migrated to other parts of the body. Let's take a closer look at them.
On the chest
It is better to apply patterns on the sternum that consist of crosses; they mean harmony, as well as the balance of forces and elements.
On the hand
If a straight line is depicted on the hand, such a design means the military path. Therefore, if when choosing an ornament, its meaning is taken into account, which includes a mention of the man’s military path, then it is best to wear a Maori tattoo on the shoulder. You can also apply a Polynesia tattoo on your arm in the form of a sleeve: this design looks the most impressive.
Forearm tattoo
It is better to apply tattoos on the forearm area that indicate strength, for example, it could be a large black symbol.
Polynesian turtle tattoos became common among Europeans no more than a few decades ago. For the first time, such a tattoo appeared among Pacific tribes; it could be used to determine a person’s status, his origin, or even his occupation. Only priests could apply a design on the body of a fellow tribesman, and the process itself was a real sacrament.
History of the symbol
The Polynesian archipelago includes about 1,000 different islands, but the most famous and mysterious is the culture of the Maori tribe. Representatives of this tribe communicated with the gods through tattoos, which they applied to their bodies using improvised means - animal teeth or incisors. The Maori greatly respected turtles for their longevity and strong shell, which is why they often got tattoos of this animal as a sign of their respect. First of all, the turtle was a symbol of wisdom, so such a tattoo could only be found among mature, wealthy and respected members of the tribe.
The meaning of the Polynesian turtle tattoo
Over time, the meaning of a tattoo in the form of a Polynesian turtle began to acquire more and more different variations, as the inhabitants of the tribe followed the life of these animals and noticed some of their features.
The main meanings of the tattoo are:
- Wisdom and prudence;
- Calm, slow, thoughtful;
- Patience;
- A symbol of a balanced person who carefully thinks through his every step;
- Stealth (due to a strong shell);
- Longevity or even eternity;
- Fertility and fertility;
- Hard work (when it is assumed that the picture shows a turtle at dawn).
Often, Polynesian tattoos with a turtle were a strong amulet against evil spirits and troubles in life. This meaning of the tattoo is associated with the fact that the animal has a strong shell that will always protect it from enemies.
Places of application
The priests of the Maori tribe were well versed in human anatomy and always carefully thought out where to get a tattoo. The location of the design had to correspond to certain energy meridians of the human body in order to positively influence the owner of the tattoo.
The most common placement options for a turtle tattoo are on the arm, chest, or back. Mostly, the sketch is combined with other tattoos and forms a complete picture - a “sleeve” or even a larger tattoo covering half the size of the body. Less common is placement on the foot. The location of the tattoo does not affect its meaning.
Color spectrum
Polynesian tattoos are traditionally tattooed exclusively in black, since this color scheme allows you to get as close as possible to the spirits and reveal your energy (according to the Polynesians). No other shade options available.
Polynesian tortoise for guys and girls
The Maori tribe had a clear division of tattoos into male and female. The turtle belongs to men's tattoos; therefore, it does not appear on women. In modern culture, some girls still wear this symbol, although from the point of view of the symbolism of the sign, this is not entirely true.
Tattoo style
The only style for the Polynesian tortoise is the technique of the same name - Polynesia. Its peculiarity lies in the combination of ornate lines, labyrinths, and spirals, which form a single pattern. As a result, the tattoo somewhat resembles an image that was burned into wood. Every stroke of the drawing is crucial, so the choice of sketch should be approached responsibly - either turn to the indigenous inhabitants of Polynesia, or use ancient historical books.
Additional sketch elements
Most often, the tattoo is combined with a geometric pattern, forming a complete “sleeve”. Less commonly, you can find a combination of a Polynesian turtle with tiki masks, sharks, stingrays, dolphins, whales, and some other animals.
Hidden meaning of tattoo
Residents of the Maori tribe believed that tattoos not only allow you to get closer to the gods, but also significantly influence a person’s life and his destiny. Turtles were usually stuffed with men who wanted to stop participating in wars or hunting work, start a family and live in peace. Often such a tattoo was applied to mature people of advanced age as a sign of their settling down and wisdom, the transition from an active life to a quiet old age. In the modern world, tattoos in the form of a Polynesian turtle are tattooed regardless of age, since the meaning of the design can be varied. First of all, this is still a powerful amulet that will especially help people with dangerous work - police officers, military men, firefighters, etc., because Maori tattoos protect only those who really need it and give goodness to people in return.
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, tips, 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.
