Polynesian tattoos: meaning and history

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

Today, 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 specific 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 make such a drawing for themselves, but by no meansno women's case.

What is this?

Sketches of Polynesian tattoos are unmistakable. 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. This is what we will consider below in more detail using 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

You can often find such an image. The tortoise is a symbol of protectionher 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.

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 calmness, measuredness, grace and beauty, which, however, can hurt if encroached on.

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 looked at 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 notes, he also touched on the symbols that the Polynesians gave great importance to.

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

Enata

Man (in other words - "enata") is a rather 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 defeated enemies.

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

But the likeness of two figures combined 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 simplified so much 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 the 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. They also often formed 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 by 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: generally harmless, but poisonous, thereforedangerous and symbolize courage, the spirit of struggle.

Lizards (geckos, mocos), 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 symbol of a hammerhead shark, which also symbolizes sociality, 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 oftattoo artists know how to do this kind of thing. They draw a sketch or immediately fill in the selected image. You can get yourself a neat Polynesian tattoo on your hand or fill your whole body completely, the scope for the realization of fantasies is wide enough.

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.