Polynesian tattoos: symbols, meanings and varieties. Tattoos in the Polynesian style Polynesian tattoos meaning of images

Polynesia is a region of many islands in the Pacific Ocean. These are New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii and many others.

Historically, it is believed that the art of tattooing originated in Polynesia, since even the word “tattoo” itself was borrowed from the Tahitian dialect - in the Polynesian language, “tatau” means design.

Every image, every detail was very important and carried a lot of information - from occupation to social status. Only the priests of the tribe applied the tattoo and, sometimes, the process itself took several days.

They crossed the sea in canoes. The shortcomings of primitive vessels were compensated by the courage and dexterity of the Maori. Many Indian tattoos are associated with sailing traditions. Let's find out what they and other tribal symbols are talking about. .

Meaning of Maori tattoo

Most of the symbols and details of the Polynesian ornament are marine inhabitants, which in itself is not surprising, because people who live on islands in the ocean inextricably connect themselves and their lives with water. Also used in Polynesian tattoos are images of the sun, moon and amulets - Tiki masks.

All main plots are necessarily complemented by secondary, but no less important details of the ornament - spirals, waves, circles and other geometric elements. Let's try to understand the meaning of the main details of the Polynesian ornament.

Maori tattoo meaning - turtle

One of the most popular subjects in modern Polynesian tattoos. Different versions of the image of a turtle shell can carry different meanings. The turtle is a balanced character, perseverance, calmness and wisdom. Many Polynesian peoples believe that a turtle design on the body can protect the owner of the tattoo and give him a long life.

Maori tattoo meaning - shark

The image of a shark among the Polynesians had several meanings. The shark signified the strength and wisdom of the hunter, served as a talisman against enemies and protected fishermen from attacks by sea predators. Often, triangles in the geometric part of the ornament symbolized shark teeth

Meaning of Maori tattoo - stingray

The stingray tattoo in Polynesia has very strong protective properties. Skat is freedom, calm, thoughtfulness of actions and hidden strength, which is used only in moments of danger.

Meaning of Maori tattoo - sun

The celestial bodies helped the Indians navigate the sea. The main ones are the classic Maori tattoos. Sketches with the Moon are the path of hunters and fans of their craft. The month is a sign of perseverance in achieving goals. The radiance of the night luminary is recognized to illuminate the path to them.

For the Polynesians, the moon was very important. Hunters and fishermen used the moon and stars to navigate, and priests predicted weather phenomena. The image of the moon or moon was a symbol of strong character, leadership and good luck. Hunters also drew a picture of the month on themselves so that they would be successful.

Meaning of Maori tattoo - lizard

The lizard patronizes strength, agility and speed. Therefore, in tribes, lizard tattoos were applied to warriors. In Polynesian designs, the lizard is often found together with the turtle or the sun, which give its power additional wisdom and good fortune.

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 look at the meanings of these pictures in more detail.

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.

In ancient times, tattoos were popular in many nations, but not all of them have now retained the same appearance as they had in the beginning. The list of those tattoos that have remained the same includes Polynesian tattoos; they have retained their appearance and its cultural identity. This case examines the Polynesian tortoise and its significance.

Turtle tattoos themselves are very popular, mainly due to the design of the shell. Tattoos with turtles convey not only the aesthetic qualities of a person and this symbol, but also energy. In addition, they carry many different meanings.

The Polynesian tortoise signifies wisdom, calmness, slowness and a balanced character. person. Despite such a long list of meanings, many can change depending on the pattern on the shell. turtle shell means protection from misfortunes and some kind of inner knowledge.

Also, a tattoo with a Polynesian turtle can appear as a strong talisman. This power is explained by the fact that it comes from ancient times, when amulets were very popular and all nations had their own, specific symbols for good luck. And finally, another additional meaning of the Polynesian turtle tattoo can be called longevity and fertility. Such meanings are suitable for both boys and girls, because they carry only good and positive meaning.

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 on 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

So-called Polynesian tattoos have recently gained enormous popularity.

Polynesia is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, the most popular of which are Easter Island and Hawaii.

It is on the islands of Polynesia that tattooing is considered a special form of art; according to local residents, only tattooing can enable a person to establish contact with the divine. The Polynesian tattoo style represents ornaments characteristic of the culture of local tribes and small peoples; in appearance they resemble a regular and clear carved pattern.

The design consists of lines that have strict geometry; they are often used to symbolize celestial bodies, animals, plants; the meaning of such tattoos is sometimes difficult for an unprepared person to read due to the special intricacy of patterns and lines.

Male drawing

Real Polynesian tattoos have always been considered the privilege of the male sex and were applied with a shark or pig tooth, which sometimes caused unbearable pain in the process. A tattoo of this kind is intended to become a document of its owner, because it can tell a lot about his life, history, qualities, fate and aspirations.

The shark, for example, a sacred animal in these parts, designed to protect its owner, is a symbol of power and fortitude. Polynesian masks, tiki - destiny, such drawings must be protected from visible and invisible enemies. The graceful and light animal stingray applied to the body has the same meaning.

A patterned unfolded spiral gives a person hope and symbolizes new life.

The turtle is chosen as a tattoo by peace-loving and family people; this leisurely animal is a talisman of traditions and a symbol of longevity and may well be suitable for both girls and women, but the moon is more likely a symbol of femininity, promising abundance.

The sun is a sign of eternal life. The combination of two heavenly bodies in one drawing is a symbol of overcoming obstacles and the implementation of ideas that seem impossible at first glance. If you see a Polynesian on a person’s body, know that this animal, respected in Polynesian lands, is endowed with supernatural powers and has a magical origin.

Drawings in the form of sea creatures such as dolphins mean friendship and connect a person with earthly principles.