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 spoke 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 the chest and wrists, which gave 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 a 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 lip 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.

By getting a tattoo in the Polynesian style, you can be sure that your body will get a new, beautiful look that will evoke delight and a desire to understand the meaning of ancient symbolism.

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

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

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 17th century sailors decided to pay tribute to the truly Polynesian.

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

The meaning of Polynesian tattoos

A land washed by the seas. This Polynesia. Tattoo meaning here they are often connected with the ocean. The Indians follow the example of its inhabitants.

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

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

Residents of the islands also consider the image of stingrays to be a protective symbol. Polynesians honor them as caretakers of the water's depths.

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

Therefore, the Indians decided that stingrays were dangerous, but wise. An ideal combination for a protective symbol, because you need to know who and what energies to “drive away” from the wearer tattoo.

Polynesia Maori, that is, the main tribe of the islands of Oceania, is a world of pagan beliefs.

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

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

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

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

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

Moreover, this presentation depends largely 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 printed in Europe and the USA are often incorrectly perceived as red-skins.

For the latter, not only the plot of the painting makes sense, but also its location on the body. The classics attract few contemporaries.

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

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

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

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

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

Based on these same 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 symbols. The pictures are made up of dots, zigzags, spirals, and corners.

They are, in fact, the island tattoos, their primary elements. Thus, 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 indicate stages of the past.

Various nodes store information about ancestors and are able to tell the family tree. Therefore, there is a separate type of nodal "Polynesia" tattoo.

On the shoulder, neck, chest, patterns composed of crosses can also be located. The Maoris proclaim them 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 is an element of the military path.

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

They personify unexpected turns in battles and readiness for any force majeure.

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

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

Therefore, in Oceania they only practiced men's tattoos. Polynesia“not ready” to give stories for women.

There are no amulets for 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 go to the homeland of island tattoos.

Among the Redskins there are still masters who know every nuance of national subjects. Sharp fish bones have not been used for a long time.

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

Some tattoo artists in Oceania are hereditary artists. This, by the way, indicates shamanic roots.

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

If Polynesia tattoo on leg, head, shoulder, was drawn by someone else, he risked being severely punished for encroaching on the work of the wisest.

European masters often preserve 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 may turn out to be, for example, a symbol of cowardice or disobedience to authorities.

Now let’s answer the question of where to get a Polynesian tattoo, from the point of view of the body area. The historical arrangement of the patterns has already been discussed.

But, if painting your face is not part of your plans, you can find alternatives. 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 just at the neck.

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

In hot areas, the eggs also remain exposed. They are insensitive to pain.

Therefore, you can apply your “calling card” with little blood, without enduring painful sensations on your 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 from the body. And it becomes difficult to endure the procedure. By the way, about blackening.

Polynesian tattoos are only monochrome. The presence of color is already a fantasy on the theme, changing the entire concept of tribal patterns.

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 gained popularity thanks to the interesting story of the 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.

Polynesia is the name given to the group of Oceania islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean, within the triangle that contains New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island. The people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are called Polynesians, and they have many things in common, including language, culture and beliefs.

Polynesian languages ​​are virtually the same and vary depending on the distance between the islands. There are some words that are the main source and reflection of the deepest core of all Polynesian cultures - Ocean (moana) and Spiritual power (mana) - The ocean guarantees life. These two words most accurately and vividly show the relationship between Polynesian culture and the Ocean.

Most of us know Jules Verne as a novelist and great writer of the 19th century. Along with novels, he also wrote popular science books about the world's most important discoveries in geography and other scientific works.

“The History of Great Travels” (in three volumes - read it - very interesting) was written on the basis of a careful and painstaking study of documents, notes from travelers, and diaries of expedition participants. This is how Jules Verne describes the Maori people of interest to us: “According to ancient legends, the Maori came approximately 1.5 thousand years ago from the Hawaiian Islands. This beautiful Polynesian tribe inhabited all the islands scattered in the vast region of the Pacific Ocean. The Maori drove away or almost completely exterminated the primitive population. They had a custom of tattooing; some tattoos showed both amazing skill and taste, which was difficult to expect among primitive people. The islanders were distinguished by their good physique, they had beautiful faces, their skin was yellowish or dark red, seeming almost black from the tattoos that covered their entire body.”

In the past, being tattooed required courage, endurance and perseverance, especially for those who were performing such a ritual for the first time. To do this, the Master marked a pattern on the skin and introduced pigment there using a pick, hitting it with a hammer stick. Sometimes tattoos were applied without prior marking. But, since any mistakes here are irreparable, the design was sometimes outlined in advance with charcoal or even using a special stamp.

Hence the word "Tatau" means "beating" in the Maori language. By the way, Captain James Cook, the first European, heard and wrote down this word in 1769.

This procedure could take several days and after its completion, a holiday was held in honor of the one who withstood all these tests and challenged himself through pain. By making irreversible changes to their appearance, including getting tattoos, people believed that they were changing themselves. As noted by the author of the book “Tattoo as a Historical Source” - anthropologist, archaeologist, Doctor of Historical Sciences M.B. Mednikov that “The human body was supposed to be “finished” so that it corresponded to its new social state. After all, in order to become a genuine person, you also need to resemble the mythical model.”

Maria Borisovna gave me permission to quote her book (“Languages ​​of Slavic Culture”, 2007), which perfectly tells the history of tattoos in general among many peoples of the world. The anthropologist's interest in this topic reveals to us the semantic meaning of tattoos, which justifies and proves the desire of Homo sapiens to apply indelible marks to himself.

In the book by M.B. Mednikova has a legend that tells about the hero of the New Zealand aborigines Mataora in the afterlife and about his acquisition of a tattoo - a gift from the gods to man and at the same time a gift from man to the gods.

Nowadays, modern tattoo machines work much faster and cause only temporary, tolerable pain and burning. New technologies have allowed everyone to get closer to the art of tattooing, as now people can be tattooed painlessly and can consider a tattoo as an adornment of their own body.

Tattooing, which in its primitive form was very crude, later became one of the most refined arts.

Maori tattoos are great because they tell the story of their bearers, they are like a business card that anyone can read. A tattoo reminds us of something important, exalts our qualities and strengthens our spirit.

The traditional Maori tattoo style is a whole series of coded elements used to tell the story of the life of the person who has the unique tattoo in symbols and lines.

As accurately described in “Russian Paleography” by V.N. Shchepkina, “ornament is a rhythmic visual art within a plane. Every ornament consists of repetitions and has a certain frame, expressed or unexpressed. The frame can have various forms, ranging from the simplest to the most complex. Rhythmic units, or repeating artistic elements, are called motifs in ornamentation. The motif acts on us as an artistic unit, i.e. gives the impression of aesthetic unity. The combination of motifs occurs in the ornament completely independently of nature, based on the instincts of symmetry and rhythm.”

Most of the motifs are either borrowed from nature, such as the crescent moon, shark tooth, bird's foot, herringbone and others, or they are not contained in nature, but in Euclidean geometry (point, triangle, angle, etc.), hence the distinction between natural and geometric ornament styles.

Maori ornamentation consists mainly of such motifs as spirals, waves, ribbons and meanders (an ornament composed of right angles folded into a continuous line), creating a compositional whole. The main symbols of Polynesia are present in almost all ornaments:

- continuity through change, life;

- a symbol of eternity and life;

- femininity, abundance;

- strength, power, stamina and perseverance;

- symbol of family and protection;

On the lower parts of the body, especially on the buttocks, men had motifs of large spirals, called “rape”, and an additional “pukhropo” pattern on the hips. Sometimes men also tattooed their chests and wrists, which helped determine their position in the social hierarchy. It happened that representatives of both sexes had a strong tattoo located on different parts of the body, including intimate places, the face, and also on the tongue.

Today, many contemporary artists have appeared on the Internet who take it upon themselves to interpret Maori symbols on their own. These are some of the meanings that the author of The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook puts into tattoo designs.

Polynesian Tattoo Guide:

adaptability, strength, power, water protection

health, longevity, family, navigator

Whale: family, protection

Dolphin: harmony, friendship, protection

wisdom, elegance, freedom

Lion: courage, perseverance

freedom, good news, protection

Butterfly: soul, transformation

friends and family who provide support

Dragonfly: magic, transformation

Phoenix: immortality, eternity, reconstruction

new beginning, peace and tranquility

Wolf: loyalty

Cat: change, adaptability

Fire: change

continuity through change, life

unity, origin

eternity, life, joy, inexhaustible positive energy

femininity, abundance

excellence, overcoming all adversities

warrior, fighter

protection from external troubles and adversities

Scorpion: bravery

strong connection, everlasting love

adaptability

Canoe: adventure

Acne: distress situations

affection, love, shelter, shelter

Seagulls: alertness, the ability to see what is happening from above

Cord: ancestors

Cross: balance, symbol of harmony

good luck in everything

beauty

blessing, peace

courage, masculinity

connections represent past, present and future

stability

Here I would like to remind you that the fauna of the islands was very scarce, and of the four-legged animals there were only rats and dogs, and the latter were readily eaten by the natives. But the plant and aquatic world, on the contrary, were very diverse.

Therefore, I consider the presence of wolves, lions, and especially phoenixes in the ornaments to be incorrect for a Polynesian tattoo.

And this is the tattoo of Duanne Scala Jones, famous throughout the Internet, with the meaning that he put into the symbols and elements.

A) Coconut leaves, or niu, which denote the Samoan chief warrior.

B) This -/a is the sun, which brings good luck.

C) This is isa/ga fa"atasi (three people in one), This is me with open arms, then continues on my chest and connects with my o lo"u to"a/ua (my wife, Dani) and my o lo "u afafine (my daughter, Simone Alexandra).

D) The descending whirlpools represent the past, present and future. The future is getting bigger. The fragment continues under my hand, where its meaning is written.

E) Two eyes, called o mata e lua, represent my ancestors watching my path.

F) Big Eye. It is an intimidating symbol that allows its user to possess the spirit of their enemy. The eye is used to distract the enemy during a confrontation.

G) Damaged face marked with shark teeth - symbol of strength. This is my spiritual patron and a symbol of my struggle.

H) This is the priest and spiritual mentor who trains the warrior to enlightenment and supernatural power under the eyes of the warrior's ancestors.

I) These are stones of achievement and abundance. They are the foundation of my life and the symbols of my dedication, They give the right to stand and speak with honor as a Tula Fale. And they support mana, or supernatural power.

J) Turtle shell to ward off evil spirits. Warriors used shells as shields."

You can, of course, get confused and follow this path, composing your tattoo from symbols close to your heart. But let’s not forget that European symbolism is much more interesting and complex than the symbolism of primitive islanders, caressed by the sea and the sun.

I am a supporter of an adequate attitude to such conventions. You can, of course, stick to the imposed image, but a tattoo in the modern sense should look more aesthetically pleasing than a jumble of different, sometimes unrelated symbols. I can only give you advice - listen to yourself, choose elements and create your tattoo. And then... show it to everyone! Sergey Grek.

And also, I’ll give here as an example a letter from a beautiful girl, Natalya, who ordered a tattoo from me based on Polynesian motifs:

"Sergey, hello! I called you today (or rather, yesterday) about the possibility of you giving me a tattoo with island Polynesian symbols. Attached is a draft sketch that I drew so that you have an understanding of how I imagine it. He is not distinguished by great artistry and clear lines, but I told you on the phone that by occupation I am not an artist at all, and certainly not a tattoo artist (although, I must admit, I tried very hard and was proud of the result))) ).
How did the idea of ​​turning to Polynesia come about: I had an idea of ​​what meaning I wanted to put into the image on my body + I wanted this image to be connected with the sea, sea animals, etc., because I have been diving quite a lot recently for several years, I intend to continue to develop in this area and do not exclude the possibility of making this my additional, and later possibly my main job. Next, I turned to the Internet, where, after a fair amount of digging, I came across the theme of Polynesian tattoos, in which I found exactly what I needed, and besides, they look very original and beautiful. I won’t say that I found a lot of information on the topic of Polynesian tattoos and its history (especially on the Russian-language network, more on foreign sites), but I got a general idea. Then I downloaded the book “Polinesian tattoo handbook” by Roberto Gemory - something like *Polynesian tattoo for dummies*))), and drew with it. Of course, I understand that this is very far from a real Polynesian and Maori tattoo, but rather “based on motifs” collected from numerous island tribes of Oceania.. But I don’t pretend to be a Maori warrior)) After all, a tattoo should bring aesthetic pleasure to its owner and carry semantic meaning for him in the first place. It seems so to me, at least. The main thing for me is not to screw up too much with the symbolism, but in this I really count on your help. So, having studied the meaning of the symbols and choosing from them those that met my request, I took up a pencil and tried to put them together. What happened is what happened. I hope, with your help, we will bring this idea to fruition. According to the sketch of my tattoo, or what I meant: The main idea is to write a manta (symbol of freedom, independence, beauty and, if we talk about the sea, water protection) into the circle of the sun (life, absolute, inexhaustible positive energy), which will be accumulated in merging with the moon, or rather the crescent (symbolizing femininity, the feminine principle, feminine energy, etc.). To some extent, I associate myself with this manta. And the merging of the sun and the moon is a kind of Yin-Yang and the possibility of the impossible in my life. I tried to include a turtle in the center of the manta (a symbol of the family that is in an inextricable connection with me, health and longevity, a navigator through life). In the center of the figures of both the manta ray and the marquis turtle is a cross (a symbol of harmony). The turtle's head is a symbolic image of the hammerhead shark (determination, resilience, perseverance). Her right front flipper is a fishhook (luck), her left front is a sea shell (meaning love, shelter, shelter), her hind legs are mountains (stability). There are shark teeth around the turtle (as a symbol of family protection from all external troubles and adversities, and also as a symbol of the ability to adapt to change). The horseshoe icon above the manta's tail is a symbol of a woman. Below, at the base of the tail, is the symbol of the palm tree (peace and tranquility). Along the right wing of the manta there is an enata ornament (friends and loved ones, who are always with me and provide support). Then the double helix, twist (union, eternal love). On the left wing of the manta there is an ornament of islands (travel, discovery). Then - a triple twist (meeting other cultures, adapting to the new). In the manta's head are the signs of Koru (new beginning), flanked on either side by frigate birds (discoveries). Crescent (everything about women here) from bottom to top: fish 4 pcs. (as a symbol life, prosperity and joy), Koru (new beginning), sea shell (intimate side of life and love), jasmine flower (beauty), hibiscus flower (femininity and passion), 2 birds following each other (freedom, the ability to see what is happening from above, help from a loved one / partner / mazh in difficult life situations), waves to the right of the birds (changes for the better), again a sea shell, a fishing hook (luck in everything). Sun rays ornament - sky and air. Something like this... :-) By tattoo location: I want it to be on the back, in the center. It started right under the shoulder blades (or even between them) and went down. But this is, of course, discussed with you in accordance with how it will look in terms of the alignment of the muscles, how it will fit on my not very wide back, or other nuances that I do not know about. By tattoo size: I am sending you a scanned copy of the A4 sheet on which the sketch was made. I would like the actual tattoo to be no larger than the drawn size. Or, if it did, it wasn’t much (because, as I already mentioned, my back is quite narrow, and I’m not yet ready to stuff it from the neck to the lower back). But again, this needs to be discussed with you. I understand little about the art of applying drawings to the body, I don’t know how close the lines can fit to each other and how thin they can be, how much the paint of the contours floats over time (if it floats) and, of course, I don’t want that in a year or two my tattoo turned into one solid black blot... More wishes: I want it to look as light and “openwork” as possible, i.e. not overloaded with heavy thick lines. I saw many photographs of men's Polynesian tattoos, which were very massive, aggressive, with a predominance of black, spanning the entire limb or torso. I'd like to avoid this. I hope I was able to more or less clearly explain to you what kind of tattoo I want to get. I already told you on the phone that this would be my first. Therefore, don’t get me wrong (even if it’s funny to you, although you’re probably already used to it..))))), I treat everything connected with it very carefully and seriously. In addition, the decision to apply it for me is associated with serious changes that have partly already begun in my life, and, to a greater extent, which are about to happen in the near future. So I really count on your understanding!)) For my part, I promise to try to bother you as little as possible.)))))))))

One of the categories of tattoos that are especially popular nowadays are Polynesian tattoos. Such drawings are bright and visible from afar. But the distinctive feature of these images is not only the brightness and originality of the design, but also the 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 remains new for many people.

Polynesian sleeve style

Origin of Polynesian style tattoos

The Polynesian Islands consist of a group of islands that are found in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous among them are Tahiti, Cook Island, Hawaii, Easter Island. Every person associates these islands with exoticism. It was here, on these fertile lands, that not only the original method of painting, but also the very concept of tattooing arose. This word comes from “ta” - picture and “atu” - spirit.

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

For the Polynesians, body paintings were not an easy way to decorate themselves. Tattoos demonstrated a person's occupation, 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 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 consist of complex patterns and intricate shapes. The lines of the drawing curl or are applied straight, thus forming a separate composition or image. These 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. Because this process was not simply a decoration of the body, but a mysterious rite that could be identified with an act of initiation.

Hand bracelet made in Polynesian style

Traditions of the Polynesians

Tattooing, like the image itself, was an important ritual in the Polynesian Islands. The artist who drew the tattoo was a priest, and for his work he necessarily received gifts and, what is more valuable, the respect of the entire society. Since the process of applying a tattoo was lengthy, those who wanted to receive a body design and deserved it lived for a long time in the priest’s house. The “clients” prayed constantly.

Only leaders and their close circle could have a large number of large-scale tattoos. For others, the drawings were much simpler. Women had their lips tattooed to protect them from aging.

I'm crazy about Polynesian tattoos. And I myself am the owner of one. This drawing looks elegant, non-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 design options

The process of drawing, like the image itself, has many options that have developed traditionally. The Moko technique differed from the well-known image piercing technique. To perform this, a chisel was used to produce cut wounds.

Polynesian style turtle tattoo on back

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

Polynesian tattoo designs differ from other body designs in their clarity of lines and shapes. This tattoo is very reminiscent of wood carving, creating the effect of a three-dimensional image. The elements used 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 body designs in the form of fish, moon, stars, ferns and other symbols. Images and additional details are placed symmetrically on the body. This gives special uniqueness and charm to the body pattern.

Polynesian tattoo on leg

The meaning of tattoos

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

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

• The shark symbolizes omnipotence, power and strength, and determination. Because the shark is perceived as a sacred animal, possessing power and fearlessness. This design is designed to protect the owner.
• Tiki is a popular symbol representing 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 – life expectancy, fertility. This pattern is a symbol of family and protection.
• Moon– a female version of the Polynesian tattoo. Because the Moon has become a symbol of femininity, femininity and abundance.
• Sun, as in other tattoos, embodies eternity and life. The combination of two luminaries - the Moon and the Sun - emphasizes that the impossible is possible.
• Lizards, geckos are a symbol of supernatural power.

Polynesian style blackwork on the leg

Before getting a tattoo, every person thought about the appropriateness of the action. I'm no exception. Therefore, having finally made a decision, I determined for myself a category of tattoos that optimally expressed my essence and admiration for the art of body painting. For those who are also undecided, I advise you to consider this category as an option.

Alina, Omsk

Video: the best Polynesian style tattoos

Sketches of Polynesian tattoos