Polynesian good luck tattoo. Polynesian Tattoos: Meaning and History

The Polynesian tattoo is deeply symbolic and seems a little rough. In the article we will talk about the meaning and features of images, and also provide original selection 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 English language the word “tattoo”, 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. Game is missing 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 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. She illuminates life path, and after death does not allow you 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 female body, however, you can choose beautiful images so that they 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 The layouts do not combine well with bright and voluminous images of other styles. Do not fill the drawings too small: each picture consists of large quantity 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

Tattoos in the Polynesian style began to spread en masse at the beginning of the last century. They came to us from a group of Pacific islands, where body painting was not only a means of decoration, but a whole ritual. Body paintings indicated the type of activity of the wearer, his status in society, and demonstrated his individual qualities. Thus, for the indigenous population they became a kind of “identity card”.

In ancient times, only priests could perform the ritual of applying a tattoo in the Polynesian style. They were always treated with great respect: they always received precious gifts for their work. The process of execution itself was lengthy and sometimes reached several months, since improvised means were used for this - animal teeth sharpened under a needle. According to the stories, it was indescribably painful and was considered an ordeal. If someone had an unfinished image in the Polynesian style, this person was positioned as a “disgrace to the family.”

In order to decipher what the picture Polynesia means, you need to navigate local totems and be blessed with a good imagination, because some objects can be hidden under the guise of an ornament. In addition, the direction originated on the territory of thousands of islands, which makes the interpretation procedure even more difficult: each island could have its own peculiarity in displaying a particular phenomenon. But still, most of the symbols have been studied by specialists, and now there is a clear idea of ​​what Polynesian tattoos mean.

That is, the meaning of Polynesian illustrations will directly depend on the signs included there. Let's look at the main ones:

• Miniature drawings. When looking through Polynesian patterns, few people pay attention to the different small figures. First of all, they are not the main plot. Secondly, most often they are reproduced on the periphery, that is, away from the main object. These figures are images of people united in a couple (symbolizes marriage), weapons (indicates a warrior). Also found are farming tools (skill, authority), centipedes (aggression, fighting). And the baton is interpreted as an element showing respect and leadership abilities.
• . In the mythological systems of local residents, it is believed that under the guise of this animal, spirits come to Earth to communicate, so its interpretation is dual: luck, regeneration and death at the same time. Most often found in the graphics of the Maori people.
• The Polynesian tortoise or “hanu” carries an exclusively positive meaning - longevity, fertility, good health, protection. It often acts as the main depicted motif in a sketch, but is also displayed as a pattern imitating a shell.
• Image of a Polynesian sun. In all world cultures, this star personified light, life and warmth. Therefore, the meaning of the sun for its owner is a source of energy and a powerful amulet, illuminating the path of life with its rays.
• Moon. Polynesian tattoos for girls are often represented by this theme, because it symbolizes femininity and greatness.
• Polynesian tiki masks were depicted on the bodies of warriors and hunters. Their goal is protection from evil forces. There is an opinion that wherever the owner of the mask does not have time to look, the “tiki” gaze is already directed there. They are applied to the skin in several pieces so that their gaze looks at all four sides. This would protect the owner of the tattoo from unexpected troubles.
• The “koru” spirals are recreated both closed and unfolded. The first is associated with infinity and cyclicity. The second visualization is interpreted as renewal and restoration.

The Polynesians were geographically located in the Pacific Ocean, which explains the huge number of paintings with fish:

• Shark. Polynesian shark tattoos have gained popularity thanks to interesting story indigenous people. Referring to their beliefs, the following situation occurred: one girl was swimming in the sea and was bitten on the leg by a predator. The most important thing is that this fish was the victim’s personal totem. The woman screamed her name in bewilderment, and the shark recognized her. The fish immediately let go of his leg and asked for an apology. The fish explained this act by saying that it simply could not recognize her. But now that there are teeth marks on the skin, this will no longer happen. Therefore, patterns of shark teeth are often found providing protection in the water.
• Scat. In Oceania, it expresses wisdom and calmness and is presented as a protective symbol.
• Another fairly common sign is the whale. It symbolizes caring for family, education and greatness.

Whatever symbolism these drawings are endowed with, these days few people attach importance to this. As soon as the global popularization of the movement began, on other continents this trend was devoid of sacred meaning and was simply applied as decoration. But in their homeland the traditions have been preserved to this day.

People have different reasons for getting a tattoo. Someone has dreamed of a tattoo since childhood, someone wants to become more unique; I like the designs on the body and many others. The same applies to the meaning of the tattoo, if it is important, in no case will he get it until he finds out, others just like it visually.

And yet, everyone is interested in what their tattoo means, and in this article we will analyze the meaning of the style, like Polynesia.

Origin

Polynesia is a network of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It includes more than 1000 islands. Once upon a time, the most famous art form on the islands was Polynesian tattoos. The process of applying a tattoo was a sacred sacrament, which was performed only by priests. And each drawing had its own meaning.

This style has its own sub-styles, since tattooing on the islands was different. The Polynesians covered their entire body with tattoos, while the Maoris reserved some parts of the body for tattooing; tattooing on the skin was limited. They differed visually and in semantic meaning. These are Hawaiian, Tongan, Tahiti, Amoan, Maori, etc.

A tattoo in Polynesia was something like a document that could tell about character, concessions or merits, and communicated what clan and tribe a person belonged to.

A tattoo was also not just a decoration, but a statement about a person, his status, for religious rites or sacrifices. On some islands, only priests had the right to tattoo. The peculiarity was that the tribes combined drawings, and this had a completely different meaning.

For example, a turtle means wisdom, the sun means life and longevity, and a turtle at dawn characterizes the wearer as a hard worker. Therefore, if it is important to you, it is better to contact a master who works only in this style and knows the history of the tribes and their secrets.

Meaning for guys

Most often, men put tattoos on their faces, which meant high status in the tribe. These could be masks that signified courage, or various patterns that carried information about a person. In addition to the lower parts of the body, men tattooed their chests and wrists, which gave them status in the hierarchy. They even applied tattoos to intimate parts and tongue.

Also, Polynesian warriors painted drawings in the form of a lizard or stingray, because these are calm-looking animals, but dangerous and nimble.

The most important and sacred animal was the shark; it carried the meaning of strength and courage, so it was stuffed with priests and warriors.

Meaning for girls

Polynesian women wore tattoos from the lips to the chin because they did not carry much information like warriors. The main sign was the month, which was a symbol of femininity and new life. Keith means protection, preservation of life in the house.

The sun is also common among women because it contains the meaning of eternity, life support, and serves as a talisman. For example, sunset meant the rebirth of everything.

Women get tattoos on their legs, arms or shoulders, but they look more feminine and elegant on the shoulder blades or back. Images of lizards or stingrays, when the tail is depicted as flexible or spiral, looks more beautiful and also means beauty and importance.

It is better not to combine Polynesian tattoos with bright and voluminous images of other styles, or to make small drawings, because each symbol consists of many different details, so they can merge into a black patch. But it won’t look as beautiful and cool as I wanted.

It is better for women not to make large drawings, it will not look aesthetically pleasing. It’s better to make several small ones next to each other, it will be more beautiful and special.

Having given yourself a tattoo in the Polynesian style, you can be sure that your body will receive a new, beautiful view, which will cause delight and a desire to understand the meaning of ancient symbolism.

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 good master.

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 are different types, but all of them are distinguished by speed, resourcefulness, and courage. As a rule, such tattoos were worn by warriors so that they would help them in difficult moments. If a lizard was depicted with a turtle, this meant that the bearer of the tattoo was a man of his word.

Spiral

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

Meaning of symbols

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

These symbols are interesting not only from the point of view of the history of tattooing, but also for studying the culture and mentality of the tribes of Oceania as a whole. For example, the famous traveler and ethnographer Carl von den Steinen at the end of the 19th century (1897-98) made a lot of useful notes regarding the life of Polynesian tribes. He passed them on to other scientists and universities. In his notes, he also touched on the symbols to which the Polynesians attached great importance.

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

Enata

A person (otherwise known as “enata”) is a fairly simple symbol. As a rule, it occurs as part of complex drawings and denotes close people. If enata is reversed, it symbolizes defeated enemies.

Also, many Polynesian peoples depicted a circle of these little people, translated as “cloudy sky,” which symbolizes the sky, as well as all ancestors who, according to legend, can patronize the living.

But the likeness of two figures united together usually depicts a marriage, a wedding, a couple.

Enata symbols are very easy to confuse with other images of warriors in the form of the same human figures. But there is a significant difference between them - the presence of a spear. And the meaning of such drawings is already different.

It is worth noting that it is not always possible to recognize the symbols of men in a Polynesian tattoo. Some variations are so simplified that they represent a kind of geometric image that only slightly resembles a person.

Items

Small simplified images of objects could also make up a whole picture. So, for example, to designate a human warrior, spears, tips, sharp objects (fangs, stings) and other battle weapons could be drawn on it. They were also often made into a long chain or circle.

Another indispensable item in the life of the Polynesians, which was both a weapon for battles and used to build houses/canoes, was the hoe. It symbolized skill, strength, respect.

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

Animals

Among other simple symbols, the inhabitants of the islands in Oceania often tattooed them on the bodies of animals. For example, centipedes were often depicted. They are, like stingrays: generally harmless, but poisonous, therefore dangerous and symbolize courage, the spirit of struggle.

Lizards (geckos, mokos), which often appear in the ancient myths of many peoples, also have a special sacred meaning. Polynesian tribes believe that these animals bring good luck and protection, protection from evil spirits. In some cases, the image of a moko signified divine origin.

Another important animal in Polynesian tattoos is the turtle (“honu”). Represents family, fertility, longevity, peacefulness, ocean, freedom. The whale symbol also has a similar meaning.

Fish was important to the islanders as it was the main source of food. And that is why the image with a fish meant abundance, prosperity, life. But the pattern in the form of scales, it was believed, could be protection for humans.

Often, island residents tattooed themselves with sharks, or rather, with their sharp triangular teeth. This symbol means strength and courage. It is believed that the pattern can protect in water. In addition, there is also a hammerhead shark symbol, which also symbolizes sociality and friendship.

How to get a Polynesian tattoo these days?

If earlier not every person, but only men of some tribes in Oceania, could afford such tattoos, now everything has become much simpler and more accessible. If you have gone through the directory of Polynesian tattoos and have firmly decided to make yourself the desired design, then now you need to find a master in a tattoo parlor. In such places, as a rule, many of the tattooists know how to do such things. They draw a sketch or immediately type in the chosen image. You can get yourself a neat Polynesian tattoo on your arm or fill your entire body; the scope for realizing your fantasies is quite wide.

However, many believe that such patterned designs should be made in Polynesia. And indeed, only there you can feel the entire sacredness of such an action. Often, drawings are made there in the same way as the distant ancestors of the Polynesians did, using the fang of an animal (for example, a shark or a wild boar). It is worth noting that this is a painful, but at the same time more impressive process.

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.