Polynesia tattoo for girls. History of Polynesian tattoos

Polynesian tattoos, which appeared in the Pacific Islands, did not originally serve as body decoration. The Indians used wearable drawings to indicate their status in the environment, to talk about their exploits and spiritual state. Tattoos meant a lot to people: some of the drawings were able to attract the gods themselves to their side. It was impossible to throw out one detail from the general drawing, all of them concealed a deep meaning behind them. The more a person's body was decorated, the more successful and influential he was considered.

A tattoo in the Polynesian style differs from others in its unusual energy, which can attract the eye of any person. The drawings are powerful, strong, somewhere even frightening. This is not surprising, because in many of them aggressiveness is visible.

This style is done in black, but there is also a feminine version. Modern people pigment their skin more because of beauty and aesthetics, less often - with a semantic load. Therefore, girls are allowed to dilute the roughness of sketches with bright colors before getting a Polynesian tattoo on their shoulder.

By the way, Polynesian women were also tattooed, but mostly they were lips and chin.

Men are more accustomed to getting a Polynesian tattoo on their sleeve. This direction needs space, only then it will look decent on the body.

Tattoo is a way of self-expression, competent placement of accents in the image and image. The culture in the body art of Polynesia is of particular value, tattoo sketches on the shoulder of men are presented in different versions and available image methods. These are special masks, sharks, turtles and rays, sun and moon, lizards and geckos.

The main difference between the style is brutal and rough lines, maximum saturation and complexity in detailing, because of which tattoos will catch the eye even from afar. The best ideas from the photo, tips on choosing the scale, colors, additional symbols and performance styles can be seen and received in the article further.

Tattoo in the Polynesian style on the shoulder. The most popular options for men

What is the Polynesian style? These are ethnic drawings and images that came from the Maori tribes. This is not about a group of specific pictures and images, but about different options, but corresponding to certain characteristics. Namely:

rough features;
massiveness of drawings;
patterns and ornaments;
long and wide, short and thin lines;
zigzags and waves;
symmetry and clarity;
intricate and intricate geometric shapes;
lack of colors and play of shadows.

Among the many different pictures and ideas, it is worth highlighting the following most popular motifs:

masks- earlier they were worn on the face by warriors and hunters, as a result of which such tattoos began to be associated with courage, strength, militancy and an inner strong core. With the help of such a tattoo, a man, as it were, strives to be safe.

Shark- a popular motif, meaning perseverance, strength and stamina, but at the same time a certain bloodthirstiness, sharp mind and power. In addition, the drawing emphasizes the ability of a person to achieve goals, his imperious and strong nature.

shark teeth- a charm that protects a man from dangers, external risks and negative impact from ill-wishers.

stingray- in the Polynesian style, this is a sacred symbol of a talisman, since we are talking about a poisonous creature that can overcome any creature, regardless of size and power.

Turtle- this is the choice of wise and balanced men who associate tattoo with calmness, measuredness and unhurriedness, deep knowledge.

Whale- a strong amulet that stands up to protect the home and family.

Sun- a sacred symbol, meaning the life and eternity of the human soul.

Sun and moon- the union of the two luminaries speaks of the possibility of the impossible, if you set goals, strive for them and believe in yourself.

Lizard or gecko- a tattoo of great power, protecting from dark forces, evil, temptations and ill-wishers, as well as bringing good luck and prosperity to life. This is a symbol of connection with the gods, a person's access to other worlds.

In parallel with the main elements, the style practices the presence of details:

spiral- unwinding of life and being (big is the future, small is the past);
nodes- information about ancestors, pedigree;
cruciform patterns– balance of elements and energies, harmony;
straight line- the way of the warrior;
sharp corners- unexpected turns of events in battle, a man's readiness for dangers and risks.

Expert opinion

Viola Madison

Tattoo artist, 8 years experience

Polynesian culture involves not only the proposed sketches for tattoos, but also a special way of depicting them in the form of patterns, ornaments and geometric shapes. Each image provides for deep symbolism, saturated with legends and beliefs, so it is important to approach the choice of a sketch thoughtfully and wisely.

What does a Polynesian tattoo give a man for self-expression?

Initially, such motives for the execution of wearable drawings arose on the Pacific islands among the Indians. Then it was not purely tattoos and drawings, but whole memoirs of this people. In them one could understand culture and history, status in society, exploits, how developed a person is spiritually and physically.

The Indians believed that by applying such images to the body, they received patronage and a close connection with the gods, which should have been reflected in their future fate and karma. Initially, only priests filled the tattoo, devoting the work of the month. In parallel with the introduction of paint under the skin, special rituals were performed to enhance the effectiveness of the drawing.

Then they took special stencils, applied them to a place on the body, cut out the skin with a sharpened tooth and a hammer and poured paint on top. These were needle pigments. At the same time, it was important that not a drop of blood fell to the ground. At the end, the skin was rubbed with the juice of various tropical plants so that it would recover faster and turn white, creating a bright contrast between the colors.

If for some reason the drawing was not completed, the man became an outcast of the tribe. The more tattoos, the higher the social status of the owner was considered. The leader painted directly on the face, as well as from the waist to the knees and buttocks. On the wrist and chest there were drawings that determined social status, on the forehead - military achievements, cheeks - occupation, chin - pedigree.

Do you believe in the sacred meaning of Polynesian tattoos?

YesNo

Polynesian motifs migrated to other countries with the help of the traveler James Cook, or rather his assistant. It was the end of the 18th century, it was this navigator who introduced the term "tattoo". Today, among men, Polynesian tattoos are more of a decoration and a way to stand out from the crowd, but still many give them a special meaning.

Are there any recommendations for getting Polynesian shoulder tattoos?

Before you go to the salon, you need to make a balanced and meaningful decision. You can experiment with the sketches first, using a temporary transfer or henna design, to visually verify the selection and sketch on the shoulder. However, a man needs to ask himself a few important questions:

for what purpose and tasks need a tattoo;
does the image match and lifestyle meaning and appearance of the tattoo;
what color and style to do the job better;
what characters and symbols may be on a tattoo;
how much will it cost tattoo;
in which salon and from which master it is better to do a Polynesian tattoo;
is a man ready to coexist with such a pattern all life;
does the tattoo contradict the work dress code, faith and prejudice.

It is also important to decide on the place on the body where the tattoo will be, on the leg or arm, a simple pattern or sleeve, or maybe a whole plot on the shoulder and forearm. Many masters offer interesting combinations of several sketches for guys.

Important! The big mistake of many is the decision to put someone else's sketch idea in the Polynesian style on the shoulder. Before going to the salon, it is important to find out the acceptable symbols and elements characteristic of the style, draw up a rough sketch and then consult with the master.

Styles and colors that are popular for Polynesian shoulder tattoos

In itself, the style of Polynesia is a separate trend, it is often compared with ornamental. The main features are in several points:

use of black paint;
aggressive and brutal compositions;
the predominance of patterns and ornaments in the form of curls, spirals, lines;
the presence of geometric shapes;
deep sacred meaning of all elements and symbols in the picture;
rich and powerful contrasts.

Close to this style will be the following options:

realism- if there are specific characters and objects in the drawing, the master can depict them as realistically as possible;

minimalism- for small and simple drawings, a concise and simplified way of depicting is acceptable;

blackwork- in the drawings there are rough features, exclusively black paint;

ornamental- a strong, mysterious, rough and expressive way of conveying an idea;

geometry- the predominance of clear lines and geometric shapes.

Since initially such drawings did not act as body decorations, but were serious symbols and talismans, they turned out to be rough, somewhat aggressive and visually gloomy. It also happened because the style does not accept any colors other than black. Until now, these rules have remained relevant, except that women's sketches allow for a small introduction of other shades.

Symbols that can be combined with a Polynesian tattoo on the shoulder of a man

Symbolism, therefore, is present in the proposed motives and ideas, if you look at the photo with examples. But still, it is worth separating the most characteristic additional elements that are compatible with Polynesia:

geometric ornaments- cyclical, infinity;

turtle- wisdom, balance;

shark, dolphin, stingray, whale- power, strength, intelligence, power;

birds- ease, freedom;

fern- humility before karma, sincerity;

lizard- connection with higher powers.

Another important element that is necessarily present in any sketch is the pattern, its lines, curls, and elements also act as a sacred symbol.

Where is the best place to get a tattoo?

Ancient folk styles of tattooing are within the power of few of the modern masters. You can trust your body in a tattoo parlor, where:

qualified craftsmen work;
professional paints from well-known manufacturers are involved;
in the presence of newfangled equipment;
guarantees of safe and high-quality work are possible.

For reference! Many men make the mistake of turning to untested places to amateurs or insufficiently experienced craftsmen in order to save money, which threatens with injuries, infections, and incorrect sketches.

Examples of tattoos with "Polynesian motifs" that are not recommended for application

If a man aspires to a Polynesian original tattoo design, it is important not only to find a competent tattoo artist, but also to avoid common mistakes. For example:

perform a color sketch - in this case, the sacred meaning of the drawing is lost, and its influence on fate may not be as expected;
apply a large complex composition to a small area of \u200b\u200bthe body - in this case, you get a chaotic pattern resembling a black shapeless spot;
mix an ethnic motif with other styles and sketches - as a result, the meaning of the work will, of course, fade into the background;
depict a talisman or amulet in the wrong location - it is extremely important to know the rules for the location of a pattern, ornament, pattern, so as not to provoke the opposite effect.

In general, the style does not imply strict prohibitions and pictures that could carry a dual meaning. It is extremely important to select such images that will not be dissonant with the appearance and nature of the owner. For example, a lizard will look weird on a large adult man, and a shark on a cute creative guy.

Conclusion

Before applying a tattoo on the shoulder, a man must decide whether the primary concept of Polynesia is important to him or changes are possible according to modern trends. The original options that have retained popularity to this day are sharks, turtles, lizards, rays and whales, various Indian masks, the Sun and the Moon. You can play around with ideas with different curls, lines, geometric shapes and patterns, each such “stroke” also contributes to the sacred meaning and influence on the fate of the wearable pattern.

Tattoos in the Polynesian style among Europeans gained popularity relatively recently, in the first half of the twentieth century. Of course, they came into fashion thanks to their complex, bizarre and unusually beautiful ornament, consisting of spirals, waves, zigzags, geometric shapes. Even modern world celebrities (for example, John Duane) were seduced by such tattoos.

But few people think about their true, original, purpose. In the archaic Polynesian culture, tattoos served not just to decorate the body, but they had a deep sacred meaning. With their help, contact was established with the transcendent upper world.

The very process of tattooing was a sacred sacrament, a rite that only a priest could perform. Each drawing had its own meaning, influencing the fate of the wearer. Such a perception of body painting in the Polynesian picture of the world goes back to the ideas and rituals of the ancient Maori tribe.

A tattoo in Polynesia was a kind of business card or, more precisely, played the role of an identity document. She reported on what kind, and at the same time the tribe, a person belongs to, what social status he has, what feats and worthy deeds he performed in life, what he became famous for.

The sketches of Polynesian tattoos, captured in the photo, resemble ancient artistic woodcarving, which not only performs an aesthetic function, but is endowed with great sacred loading. The tree in the primitive, especially totemic consciousness was also deified, spiritualized, identified with the human body.

The human body in mythological representations was likened to the world, the Universe and in the astral understanding was divided into zones of intersection of various energy flows. It was on these areas that drawings were applied in order to block the influence of, for example, negativity, bring good into life, correct character, change or improve fate, as if rewriting what was destined by it. The result directly depended on the image and the symbolism associated with it.

in the ancient Polynesian sense, it personifies protection, an impenetrable energy shell that will not let any evil forces into life. It also brings health, family strength, longevity.
means eternity, interconnection and continuity of life, as well as death. Attracts life-giving warmth, Happiness, kindness, success in planned enterprises.
considered a powerful amulet. Protects from negativity. Gives inner freedom, sophistication and attractiveness.
gives power, power, willpower and perseverance. Protects from enemies and all harm.
(and at the same time - gecko, iguana) reveals higher knowledge, the gift of clairvoyance, enhances supernatural abilities.

And today, in our technogenic and civilized age, tattoos on some Polynesian islands have not lost their sacred meaning and are used to communicate with higher deities.

Polynesian style tattoo video

. 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. This 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, he always received gifts for his work 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 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