Polynesian tattoos, which appeared on the Pacific Islands, did not initially serve as decoration for the body. The Indians used body paintings to indicate their status in the environment, talk about their exploits and spiritual state. Tattoos meant a lot to people: some of the designs were able to attract the gods themselves to their side. It was impossible to eliminate one detail from the overall picture; they all hid a deep meaning behind them. The more a person’s body was decorated, the more successful and influential he was considered.
A Polynesian style tattoo differs from others in its unusual energy, which can attract the gaze of any person. The drawings are powerful, strong, sometimes even frightening. This is not surprising, because many of them show aggressiveness.
This style comes in black, but there is also a women's version. Modern people pigment their skin more for beauty and aesthetics, less often for semantic reasons. Therefore, girls are allowed to dilute the roughness of the sketches with bright colors before getting a Polynesian tattoo on the shoulder.
By the way, Polynesian women were also tattooed, but mostly on the lips and chin.
Men are more accustomed to getting a Polynesian tattoo on their sleeve. This trend requires space, only then will it look decent on the body.
The art of drawings on the body originated on the Pacific islands - in this way the Polynesians told others about themselves, protected them from adversity and emphasized their special status. Read on to learn all about tattoos in this style.
History of style
Start
Polynesia is a subregion of thousands of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It forms a triangle, the vertices of which are New Zealand, Easter Island and the Hawaiian Islands. Now it is difficult to determine when the first people appeared there - scientists are inclined to the middle of the first millennium BC, but cannot name the exact year or century. But Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to reach Polynesia - in 1521 he arrived on one of the islands, which he named San Pablo. Since then, the world has gradually become acquainted with the original Polynesian culture, and especially with the culture of tattooing - this is where this art originated.
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The Polynesian style is divided into several substyles based on the names of the islands: Hawaiian tattoos, Maori, Samoa, Tahiti, Tiki - and each of them has recognizable black patterns.
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For Polynesians, body drawings are a business card and a kind of passport: they tell about their status in the tribe, about their exploits, and about spiritual development. Patterns on the forehead show success in battle, patterns on the chin indicate origin, on the cheeks indicate profession, and on the chest and wrists indicate position in society. Large unfolded spirals on the buttocks speak of restoration and a kind of renewal, closed ones symbolize infinity and perfection.
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Creating a painting on the body is a sacred rite that is performed only by a priest: using a hammer and a sharpened tooth/needle/stone, he knocks out patterns into which he sprinkles dye. The blood is wiped off so that drops do not fall on the ground.
Now
The Polynesian style tattoo is massive, clear and symmetrical. Geometric spirals, waves, circles, triangles are filled with black pigment, thin and wide lines, without playing with color and shadow.
The drawings use marine animals - stingrays, turtles, sharks - and images of the sun, moon, and traditional Tiki mask. The meanings of all symbols are different, it’s easy to make a mistake, so it’s better to talk to a specialist before choosing a tattoo.
Interesting: people with tattoos in this style
The famous American actor and wrestler Dwayne Johnson, nicknamed “The Rock,” made his debut in the ring in 1996, and appeared in films for the first time in 2001. Charismatic and in good shape, he quickly gained popularity in both areas, and was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the highest fee for the first leading role.
According to Dwayne himself, every stroke in his Polynesian tattoo has a certain meaning: important events in his life, memories, good luck charms. Well, this tattoo definitely suits him!
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
For centuries, people from all over the world have been decorating their bodies with tattoos. The word "tattoo" comes from the Polynesian language and means "drawing". In addition to the term, Polynesia gave the world a special style of body designs that cannot be confused with any others. Polynesian tattoo was formed from an ancient ritual art form that spread on the island of Tahiti, Hawaii and others.
History and significance
The custom of applying special designs to the body originated on the islands of Polynesia in ancient times. At first it was not a decoration, but a sacred act. Only the priest had the right to apply a Polynesian tattoo. He was the most respected member of his tribe.
There were several ways to apply a pattern to the skin. It all depended on which island the community was on. Therefore, despite the general similarity, there are several subgroups that are combined into Polynesian tattoos.
The meaning of the ritual in ancient times is associated with knowledge about the owner of the drawing. The tattoo was compiled from the main information:
- family;
- community;
- position in the community;
- main occupation;
- personal qualities;
- main actions in life.
Some images had to be earned by demonstrating strength, dexterity, and endurance in the hunt. Each fragment of the picture has its own name and carries a certain meaning. In general, a tattoo is similar to skillful wood carving. However, the tribes of the Polynesian islands were also famous for this.
Only men who had reached a certain age could apply an image to themselves. For women, such a ritual was prohibited. The procedure itself was painful, since the role of the needle was played by a shark or wild boar tooth. The paint was made from plant sap. The ritual of drawing a picture took several days. It was impossible to interrupt him, otherwise the family would face shame and expulsion from the tribe.
The emergence of Polynesian tattoos in Europe
Polynesian tattoos have always fascinated European sailors. But it was applied only to representatives of the tribe as a sacred design. For a long time, strangers could not get the desired patterns.
It is not known for certain how tattoos appeared among Europeans. There is a version that the sailors paid one of the leaders, and he provided them with a sample of Polynesian culture.
Places of application
Polynesian patterns (tattoos) were applied to the body of men in strictly defined areas. The place on the body where the tattoo was made depended on the social status of the man. Images could be found all over the body.
The following areas were covered with tattoos:
- head;
- wrist;
- breast;
- intimate parts of the body.
Masks
The Polynesian tattoo in the form of a mask was applied to warriors and hunters. It was believed that it could protect from evil spirits and protect in difficult times. Masks are also called tiki. There are many variations of them. They are applied over the body so that the eyes of the masks look in different directions. This will protect their owner from all sides. No matter how threatening the mask may be, it does not carry evil. Her task is to frighten the evil that is everywhere.
Lizard
The image of a lizard on the body looks very beautiful, even flawless. Most often these are iguanas and geckos. First of all, they mean physical strength, body power, stamina, speed, determination.
The presence of a lizard and a turtle on the body indicated that its bearer was true to his word and was always ready to prove what he said with deeds. This was the secret of his well-being.
Scat
The stingray tattoo in the culture of the Polynesian islands was a powerful symbol of protection. Many tribes glorified this animal, which they perceived as beautiful, wise and not showing aggression towards humans. At the same time, it is very poisonous.
The body pattern expresses calmness and deliberation, which borders on dangerous grace and (if necessary) poisonous beauty.
Turtle
A Polynesian turtle (tattoo) on a person’s body meant that its owner was calm and wise. It was applied to balanced and persistent members of the tribe who were strong in body and spirit. There are a large number of shell samples to depict this animal.
The image of a turtle against the backdrop of a sunny dawn meant that the person was hardworking and thrifty. In addition, the animal on the body became a real amulet, the main task of which was to prolong the life of the owner.
Moon
The tribes of Polynesia studied the phases of the luminary well. They knew very well how celestial bodies affect the weather. The Polynesians gave their names to many stars and their clusters. The moon signified strength of character and mental fortitude.
The month symbolized the owner’s commitment to his own business and meant assertiveness in achieving his goal. The image, consisting of the moon and a dolphin, meant that its bearer is a wise leader who is always accompanied by success. The moon could be depicted in all sorts of variations, each of which carried its own unique meaning.
Spiral
The spiral symbol traditionally signifies new life and hope. If the spiral (koru) was unfolded, it symbolized renewal, restoration and life. If it is closed, it is a sign of constancy, infinity, and improvement.
Sun
The Polynesian sun (tattoo), as elsewhere, symbolizes light, life and eternity. In ancient times, this image was one of the first to be painted. The sun was a talisman that accompanies life.
The sun can be depicted in two versions. The first is sunrise, which symbolizes the awakening of energy, the second is sunset, which is a sign of the rebirth of all living things.
Sharks
This animal traditionally symbolizes perseverance, perseverance, and strength. Shark was applied to the chest, legs and thighs. They made images of these predatory animals for fishermen from sea monsters. The men of the shark tribe were protected from enemies and other threats.
The drawing on the body in the form of a shark under the sun symbolized eternal strength and power, and the combination of a dolphin and a shark meant strong friendship.
In the modern world, Polynesian tattoos have already lost the meaning that was originally inherent in them. Their popularity is due to how impressive they look on the body. The patterns, which consist of many intricacies, small elements, waves, spirals, ribbons, amaze the imagination and attract tattoo lovers all over the world.
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!
