The sun in the style of Polynesia. Polynesian tattoos

These days, Polynesian tattoos are very popular along with many other types. And now it will not be difficult to make it for yourself: you just need to choose a sketch and a good master.

History

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 guess, tattoos were also not made for beauty, each of them had a special sacred meaning and, according to people, was a kind of divine channel. The drawings could be on a certain part of the body (shin, chest, thigh, face, hands, etc.) or on several at the same time.

They also played a big role in the society of the tribes of that time. According to tattoos about a person, it was possible to determine: character, tribe, occupation, origin, and much more. However, it is worth noting the fact that only men could do it for themselves, but by no means women.

What it is?

Not to be confused with anything. Each of them consists of small patterns, geometric shapes, spirals, curves, lines and other details that all together form a single whole picture. For example, a turtle, a wave and much more. When choosing, you should know what the meaning of a Polynesian tattoo is. We will consider this in more detail below with specific examples.

Shark

The image of a shark means stamina, 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 such a pattern was applied to the legs or chest.

TIKI

Very interesting tattoos in the Polynesian style in the form of masks. They are otherwise called TIKI. In ancient times, only hunters and warriors of the tribe could wear such images of masks. Why? Because it was these people who were in 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, at the sight of which all "impure forces" are terrified. As a rule, Polynesians had several tattoos with TIKI masks on different parts of the body to scare away evil from all sides.

Turtle

Often you can find such an image. The turtle is a symbol of protection, as its strong 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 life path of a person. The sun is depicted in different ways, which also affects the meaning. For example, sunrise is 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) as a whole denotes everything related to fortitude, and also serves as a kind of figurative source of light and patronage for hunters.

stingray

In nature, the stingray is generally harmless, but at the same time poisonous. These cute creatures are perceived by Polynesians as a symbol of calmness, measuredness, grace and beauty, which, however, can hurt if it is 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 are of different types, but all of them are distinguished by speed, resourcefulness, courage. As a rule, warriors wore such tattoos so that they would help them in difficult times. If the lizard was depicted with a turtle, then this meant that the wearer of the tattoo was a man of his word.

Spiral

But a kind of peculiar spiral was considered a sign of hope and the beginning of a new (better) life. Another name is Koru. Spirals are closed and open. In the first case, this means infinity, constancy, self-development, and in the second, renewal and restoration.

Meaning of symbols

Above, we examined the main options for images and drawings that are made up of patterns and details. However, in addition to them, there are smaller, but no less important symbols of the Polynesian tattoo, each of which also has its own meaning. Of these, as a rule, large drawings are also created.

These symbols are interesting not only from the point of view of the history of tattoos, but also for studying the culture and mentality of the tribes of Oceania in general. So, for example, the famous traveler and ethnographer Karl von den Steinen at the end of the 19th century (1897-98) made a lot of useful notes regarding the life of the Polynesian tribes. He gave them to other scientists and universities. In his writings, he also touched on symbols that were of great importance to the Polynesians.

Let's take a closer look at the meanings of these figures.

Enata

Man (in other words - "enata") is a fairly simple symbol. As a rule, it happens as part of complex drawings, and denotes loved ones. If the enata is turned upside down, then this symbolizes the defeated enemies.

Also, many Polynesian peoples depicted a circle of these little men, translated as "cloudy sky", which symbolizes the sky, as well as all the 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.

It is very easy to confuse enata symbols 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 are a kind of geometric image that only slightly resembles a person.

Items

From small simplified images of objects, they could also make up a whole picture. So, for example, to designate a man-warrior, spears, tips, sharp objects (fangs, sting) and other weapons of battle could be drawn on it. Of these, they also often made up 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 a hoe. She symbolized skill, strength, respect.

But according to the drawing of the club, it was possible to determine the leader of the tribe, since only they used it in battles. This item denotes leadership, nobility, honor, respect, honour. In general, all the qualities of an ideal leader.

Animals

Of other simple symbols, the inhabitants of the islands in Oceania often stuffed animals on the bodies. So, for example, centipedes were often depicted. They, like stingrays, are generally harmless, but poisonous, therefore dangerous and symbolize courage, the spirit of struggle.

Lizards (geckos, moko), which often appear in the ancient myths of many peoples, also have a special sacred meaning. Among the Polynesian tribes, it is believed that these animals bring good luck and patronage, protection from unclean forces. In some cases, the image of moko meant divine origin.

Another important animal in Polynesian tattoos is the tortoise ("honu"). It personifies the family, fertility, longevity, peacefulness, the 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 the fish meant abundance, prosperity, life. But the pattern in the form of scales, as it was believed, could be a protection for a person.

Often, the inhabitants of the islands tattooed themselves with sharks, or rather, with their sharp triangular teeth. Such a symbol means strength, courage. It is believed that the drawing 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 could afford such tattoos, but only men of some tribes in Oceania, now everything has become much easier and more accessible. If you have gone through the directory of Polynesian tattoos and firmly decided to make yourself the desired drawing, 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 this kind of thing. They draw a sketch or immediately fill in the selected image. You can make yourself a neat Polynesian tattoo on your arm or fill your whole body completely, the scope for the realization of fantasies is quite wide.

However, many believe that such patterned drawings should be made in Polynesia. And indeed, only there you can feel the whole sacredness of such an action. Often, drawings are stuffed 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.

This people have an ancient custom - to make tattoos. Polynesians in this skill have a special talent. According to their beliefs, drawings on the skin can change the character of a person and strengthen his spirit.

Polynesians treat the ocean with awe and honor. If you take a closer look at it, you will notice that their symbols are in most cases 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, unlike other drawing, created by the 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 highlights several main symbols that are most often found 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 symbol of the crescent, then it denotes the feminine and vital abundance. The presence on the tattoo of both the Moon and the Sun tells about the revealed secret possibilities - such a person is the master of his own 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. Everything that resembles a whirlpool of different sizes, indicates life stages, and also tells about the past, future and present.
Shark. This fish symbolizes strength, stamina, perseverance and power. She is a sacred being in the water element. Polynesian shark tattoos protect against unfriendly people and third-party threats. If teeth are depicted as an ornament, they are able to protect the wearer from all troubles and hardships.
Turtle. The 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 from 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 dwellers

These creatures may be present in different parts of the drawing. 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. Eel speaks of unpleasant events that a person has experienced. The slope 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 a height.

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 relatives and friends who are able to provide support. The host is very grateful to these people. When the drawing shows several drawn men who are connected by hands, this means marriage and children.

If a man squats on a tattoo, this is interpreted as the militancy of the wearer and the ability to kill.

The image of a pair of eyes means ancestors watching the wearer from heaven. One eye bestows advantages over the enemy. So he intimidates and distracts the enemy.

Items

The ax says 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 along the way.
The fishing hook is a symbol of good luck.
Tics are quite common. In fact, these are masks that protect against the evil eye. It happens that they are stuffed with the direction of the gaze in different directions, so that the owner of the tattoo is protected from all sides.

Plants

Fern means calmness and tranquility.
Images of other leaves contribute to well-being and success in endeavors.
The lotus serves 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 entertaining ornaments in Russia.

Polynesian tattoos, photos of which are presented in our article, can be ordered from a professional master.

The art of drawings on the body originated precisely in the Pacific Islands - in this way the Polynesians told about themselves to others, protected them from adversity and emphasized their special status. Read on to find out all about tattoos in this style.

Style history

Start

Polynesia is a sub-region of a thousand islands in the Pacific Ocean. It forms a triangle whose vertices are New Zealand, Easter Island and the Hawaiian Islands. Now it is difficult to determine when the first people appeared there - scientists tend to the middle of the first millennium BC, but they 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 called 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 sub-styles by the names of the islands: Hawaiian tattoos, Maori, Samoa, Tahiti, Tiki - and each of them has recognizable black ornaments.

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For Polynesians, underwear drawings are a visiting card and a kind of passport: they tell about the status in the tribe, about exploits, about spiritual development. Ornaments on the forehead show success in battles, patterns on the chin - origin, on the cheeks - the profession, on the chest and wrists - 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 picture on the body is a sacred rite that only the priest performs: with the help of a hammer and a sharpened tooth / needle / stone, he knocks out patterns where he sprinkles the dye. The blood is wiped so that the drops do not fall on the ground.

Now

The tattoo in the Polynesian style 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, traditional Tiki mask. The meanings of all symbols are different, it is easy to make a mistake, so it is better to talk with 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 starred in the movie for the first time in 2001. Charismatic, in good shape, he quickly gained popularity in both areas, and got into the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the highest honorarium for the first major role.

According to Dwayne himself, every stroke in his Polynesian tattoo has a certain meaning: important events from life, memories, amulets for good luck. Well, this tattoo definitely suits him!

. Polynesia sketches"transferred" to the Europeans, and they elevated the island patterns to the rank of a cult.

Westerners began to literally pray for a new culture of body painting for them.

The sailors, who were the first to adopt the tradition of painting themselves from the inhabitants of Oceania, modified it.

The shipbuilders replaced the abstract symbols of the Indians with anchors, swallows, female images, and compasses that were close and understandable to them.

However, the descendants of the sailors of the 17th century decided to pay homage to the true Polynesian.

Abstraction has become fashionable, like all ethnics. Only now, in pursuit of the beauty of the form, the Europeans began to miss the semantic load. Let's figure out what its essence is.

Meaning of Polynesian tattoos

A land washed by the seas. it Polynesia. tattoo meaning here they have, often associated with the ocean. Indians take an example from its inhabitants.

So, the shark is pricked as a symbol of power, perseverance and stamina. At the same time, the Polynesians are aware of the degree of aggression emanating from the marine predator.

Therefore, the redskins separately depict the teeth of sharks. They become a talisman against any threats from the outside.

The inhabitants of the islands also include the image of stingrays as protective symbols. The Polynesians honor them as caretakers of the water depths.

Rays are poisonous, which gives them the power to punish. At the same time, smooth, unhurried movements of elasmobranchs indicate calmness.

Therefore, the Indians decided that the rays are dangerous, but wise. The ideal combination for a security symbol, because you need to know who and what energies to “drive away” from the carrier tattoo.

polynesia maori, that is, the main tribe of the islands of Oceania, is the world of pagan beliefs.

Indians deify nature and consider themselves descendants of her creations. Some tribes believe they are descended from whales.

By the way, according to the worldview of the Redskins, they guard friendship. Other Polynesians think that their ancestors are dolphins, revered as a symbol of harmony.

Third tribes choose their emblem Turtle tattoo. Polynesia for armored animals - the land where they were proclaimed the keepers of wisdom, the embodiment of longevity and tranquility.

In parallel with the protective function, Polynesian tattoos describe the character of a person.

In the tribal system, patterns have long been one of the few ways to introduce yourself to others.

Moreover, this representation depends, in many respects, on the nuances of the images. So, the same turtle in the rays of the rising sun is a sign of the hardworking and thrifty.

This may not be taken into account tattoo in the style of "Polynesia". Therefore, people with drawings stuffed in Europe, the USA are often misunderstood by the redskins.

For the latter, it makes sense not only the plot of the picture, but also its location on the body. Classics attracts few contemporaries.

Meanwhile, most of the positive values Polynesian tattoo associated with areas of the face. It is always open.

Since tattoos were a way for the redskins to convey information, it was natural that reasons for pride were displayed on their faces.

The forehead, for example, was reserved for data on victories in battles. Patterns on the chin should speak about the origin of a person, and on the cheeks - about his occupation. Tattoos next to the eyes reveal marital status.

Foreign residents, of course, inflict tattoo "Polynesia" on the forearm, legs, back. There is no crime in this, in general.

But, the meaning of the symbols is partially lost. The correct selection of drawing elements can correct the situation.

According to these very elements, island tattoos are divided into types. Let's talk about them.

Types of Polynesian tattoos

Tattoo "Polynesia" - photo, which, at first glance, looks like a set of disparate characters. Pictures are made up of dots, zigzags, spirals, angles.

It is they, in fact, that are island tattoos, their primary elements. So, the spiral is the personification of “unwinding life and being in general.

The size of the whirlpools matters. Large spirals speak of the future, small ones - stages of the past.

Various nodes store information about ancestors, they are able to tell a pedigree. Therefore, there is a separate type of nodal tattoo "Polynesia".

Shoulder, neck, chest, patterns made of crosses can also be located. They are proclaimed by the Maori as a sign of harmony, the balance of all forces and elements.

direct line to polynesia tattoo on arm, leg, or other part of the body - an element of the military way.

In the tattoos used for the strong and the brave, they also use a lot of sharp corners.

They personify unexpected turns of battles, readiness for any force majeure.

It turns out that not only the overall picture matters, but every “stroke” in it. These "strokes", by the way, were applied with pointed bones, or shark teeth.

This is the historical procedure for body painting on the islands Polynesia. Tattoo "Sun", "Moon", "Masks" were applied for a long time and painfully.

Therefore, in Oceania they practiced only male tattoos. Polynesia"not ready" to give stories for women.

There are no amulets of motherhood, talismans for girlish happiness, few flowers and plant themes.

Where to get a Polynesian tattoo

If you look at the question in terms of choosing a salon, it is ideal to appeal to the homeland of island tattoos.

Among the redskins there are still masters who know every nuance of national plots. The pointed bones of fish have not been used for a long time.

In the hands of the artist you will see a standard typewriter. But, in the head and heart of the master, the knowledge of the ancestors is hidden.

Some Oceania tattooists are hereditary artists. This, by the way, points to shamanic roots.

In past centuries, the redskins entrusted the process of impaling only to the priests.

If polynesia tattoo on leg, head, shoulder, someone else painted, he risked being severely punished for encroaching on the cause of the wisest.

European masters often retain only the style of ethnic tattoos. Their meaning fades into the background.

As a result, abstract plots in the eyes of knowledgeable people look the same as Chinese characters applied to the body without a thorough knowledge of the language.

A brutal drawing can be, for example, a symbol of cowardice, or disobedience to the authorities.

Now let's answer the question of where to get a Polynesian tattoo, in terms of a part of the body. The historical arrangement of the patterns has already been mentioned.

But, if face painting is not included in the plans, alternatives can be found. The first is tattoos on the hands, for example, tattoo "Polynesia: Sleeve".

This image covers most of the limb. Some sleeves start at the wrist and end only at the neck.

The hands are almost as open as the face, which means that they can fulfill the historical role of representing a person in society.

In hot areas, caviar also remains open. They are insensitive to pain.

Therefore, you can apply your "calling card" with little blood, not tolerating pain on the face or neck.

Although, many are ready to “sacrifice” their neck. The drawings look really impressive here. The main thing is not to overdo it with the size of the picture.

Large-scale tattoos blacken the neck, as if tearing the head away from the body. And yes, it can be difficult to endure. By the way, about blackening.

Polynesian tattoos are only monochrome. The presence of color is already a fantasy on a theme that changes the whole concept of tribal patterns.

One of the categories of tattoos that are especially popular in our time are Polynesian tattoos. Such drawings are bright and visible in the distance. But the hallmark of these images is not only the brightness and originality of the picture, but also a 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 for many people remains new.

Polynesian sleeve style

Origin of Polynesian Style Tattoos

The Polynesian Islands are made up of a group of islands that are located in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous among them are Tahiti, Cook Island, Hawaii, Easter Island. Each person associates these islands with the exotic. It was here, on these fertile lands, that not only the original method of painting was born, but also the very concept of a tattoo. This word comes from "ta" - a picture and "atu" - a spirit.

There is a legend that the Polynesian god Tiki taught the inhabitants to put pictures on their bodies.

For Polynesians, wearable designs were not an easy way to decorate themselves. Tattoos showed the occupation of a person, 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 that 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 are made up of intricate designs and intricate shapes. The lines of the drawing meander or are applied straight, thus making up a separate composition or image. It 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. Since this process was not just a decoration of the body, but a mysterious rite that could be identified with an act of initiation.

Bracelet on the hand, made in the Polynesian style

Polynesian traditions

Tattooing, like the image itself, was an important ritual in the Polynesian Islands. The artist who painted the tattoo was a priest, for his work he always received gifts and, more importantly, the respect of the whole society. Since the process of applying a tattoo was lengthy, those who wished to receive a tattoo and deserved it lived in the priest's house for a long time. "Clients" were constantly praying.

A large number of large-scale tattoos could only have leaders and their inner circle. For others, the drawings were much simpler. Women were tattooed on their lips to keep them from aging.

I'm crazy about Polynesian tattoos. And I own one myself. This drawing looks elegant, not 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 pattern options

The process of drawing a picture, like the image itself, has many options that have developed traditionally. Moko's technique differed from the well-known technique of piercing an image. For its implementation, a chisel was used to obtain incised wounds.

Turtle tattoo on the back, made in the Polynesian style

Such drawings were preferred in the Maori tribe, other inhabitants of the Polynesian islands were more traditional. Maori are also known for their tattoo motifs: pu-kauvae (spiral-shaped patterns on the chin), pae-pae (spiral-shaped ornaments on the cheeks) and others. Such drawings determined the status of the Polynesian.

Polynesian tattoo sketches differ from other body designs in their clarity of lines and shapes. This tattoo is very reminiscent of woodcarving, creates the effect of a three-dimensional image. Elements 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 wearable drawings in the form of fish, moon, stars, ferns and other symbols. Images and additional details are placed symmetrically on the body. This gives a special originality and charm to the wearable pattern.

Polynesian leg tattoo

The meaning of tattoos

Polynesian tattoo photos are freely available both on the web and in tattoo parlor catalogs. These drawings can tell a lot about their owner. Their symbols are quite deep and accentuate the main traits of a person's character. Often such a tattoo can illustrate a person's life credo, parting words, a kind of totem and amulet.

Modern lovers of underwear painting, choosing Polynesian tattoos, often miss their meaning and use the drawing as a decorating element of the image.

The shark symbolizes omnipotence, power and strength, purposefulness. Since the shark is perceived as a sacred animal with power and fearlessness. Such a pattern is designed to protect the owner.
Tiki is a popular symbol depicting 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 - longevity, fertility. Such a pattern is a symbol of family and protection.
Moon- female version of the Polynesian tattoo. Since the Moon has become a symbol of femininity, feminine and abundance.
Sun, as in other tattoos, embodies eternity and life. The combination of two luminaries - the Moon and the Sun - focuses on the fact that the impossible is possible.
Lizards, geckos - a symbol of supernatural power.

Blackwork in Polynesian style on the leg

Each person, before getting a tattoo, thought about the appropriateness of the act. I'm not an exception. Therefore, having nevertheless made a decision, I determined for myself the category of tattoos, which optimally expressed my essence and admiration for the art of body painting. Who also has not decided, I advise you to consider this category as an option.

Alina, Omsk