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 The routines 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 quality. 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 into different sides, 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
The birthplace of Polynesian tattoos is the Samoan archipelago. The tribes living on it attached great importance to every line, geometric figure, and curl of the pattern. This is where the name of the special style came from - tribal, the word is translated as tribal.
Polynesian tattoos were applied in the form of a sacred ritual. It was a sacrament that only a priest could perform. The magical performance was preceded by the “master’s” prayers for many hours - this is how he attracted otherworldly forces to help in his sacred rites. Of course, there was no talk of tattoo machines, effective pain relief or high-quality dyes - so getting a tattoo was a painful and rather dangerous undertaking. The body pattern was applied using a wooden stick, making small cuts in the skin to penetrate the paint deeper. That is why not everyone could decide to get a tattoo; its very presence was already evidence of the strength of a person’s spirit. Therefore, tattoos in the Polynesian style often belonged to warriors and the priests themselves.
Any body design carried deep semantic content; it greatly influenced the fate of the owner. This feature of the perception of tattoo culture is due to the worldview of the ancient Maori tribe. The basis of sacred meaning is the unity of the physical and spiritual body. Polynesian tattoos acted as a kind of human passport - thanks to the patterns, it was possible to instantly determine which tribe the bearer belonged to, what his social status, what actions in his life he is proud of, what he is famous among others. The patterns are similar to wood carvings - and it, in turn, was identified with the human body, symbolizing life.
Polynesian tattoos for girls were given a slightly different meaning. The girl received her first body design at the onset of puberty - it meant that the girl was willing to get married. After marriage, the woman received part of her husband’s tattoo. And the absence of any body images could lead her fellow tribesmen to believe that the girl was intolerant of pain and would not be able to continue the family line.
The appearance of such tattoos in Europe began in Tahiti, thanks to sailors. After some time, they began to gain popularity in Asia, and today they are considered one of the most popular types of body designs throughout the world. Even many of our traditional styles are losing out to Polynesia.
Since the end of the 20th century, the new tribal style has become especially popular - it combines the antiquity of traditions and the freshness of tattoo execution.
Chapter 3. Symbols and their meaning.
This chapter provides a short list of the most common symbols and motifs. There are many more symbols than we present here, but either their meaning is not known or we cannot be completely sure of it. Oceania has dozens of large islands and hundreds of small ones, so it is almost impossible to give an unambiguous definition for each character. For the same reason, it is incredibly difficult to “read” a finished tattoo - after all, much depends directly on the choice of the tattoo artist. Large elements consist of smaller ones, each of which has its own meaning, which affects the overall meaning. Most of the known symbols come from the Marquesan tradition, the most complete record of which appeared in 1928 based on notes made by Karl von den Stein during a trip in 1897-98.
Human figure, or enata means man or woman, less often - deity. This design can be placed in a tattoo to represent friends, relatives And dear people, relatives. If you place this pattern in a tattoo, turning it upside down, the pattern will mean defeated enemies. Below I provide a few examples to demonstrate how a pattern can evolve from an artistic point of view and take on new versions of the image:
First simplification:
Second simplification:
This motif is called even more stylized ani ata- people forming a circle. In translation, this motif is called “cloudy sky”. According to legend, Ranks(Heaven) and Dad(Earth) once came incredibly close to each other and their children lived between them in complete darkness until the deified man pushed away Ranks back up and thus did not let the light in. This is a common motif among all Polynesian peoples and is used to represent sky, as well as ancestors protecting their descendants.
Human figures paired together traditionally represent wedding, marriage:
Often the image of a man and a woman differs from each other:
Warrior.
Another version of the human figure is often used to depict warrior, especially if the figure is holding a spear above his head:
Like others, this original image gives rise to a variety of simplified patterns. On version b, only the torso and head remain from the original image:
Spear.
Another classic symbol to represent warrior- spear:
Often the spear is stylized into a circle of tips; there are several options for the image:
This pattern can also symbolize any sharp objects and even sting stingray or other animal.
Adze, hoe.
This stone tool was used for many purposes, including war. Basically, it was used to carve canoes and build houses. In a tattoo it symbolizes skill, overcoming obstacles, strength(physical and spiritual), authority.
Centipede.
Even if the poisonous spines on the centipede's head are not depicted, it still means aggressive environment, nature, animal nature. In the tattoo it symbolizes spirit of struggle, warriors, determination, rebellion. As usual, simplified images are provided below: 
Club (at least).
A flat, short club used in battles mainly by leaders. IN in this case this symbol means chief, leader, honor, respect, greatness, nobility, nobility- in general, all the qualities inherent in a tribal leader.
Lizard.
Lizard or gecko in Polynesian is pronounced mo"o or moko and plays an important role in Polynesian myths. Gods ( atua) and spirits often appear to humans in the form of a gecko and perhaps this explains the fact that the design elements used to depict a lizard are very similar to the elements used to depict a person. Lizards are powerful creatures that can bring good luck, connection with the gods, access to the invisible world. At the same time, they can bring death or bad omens to disrespected people. In Australia, lizards symbolize regeneration, transformation, survival in difficult conditions. In Maori culture, they are more likely to be protectors and trustees, so they are often buried in new, newly built houses, and also carved on walls - thus keeping illness and evil spirits as far away from the home as possible. Also, the lizard is sometimes perceived as the ancestor of man, and apparently this is what explains the similarity between the simplified image of a gecko and a man:
Besides, " moko" is the name for Maori facial tattoos, which are also incredibly sacred, so it's probably the name " moko" came from earlier designs in which the image of a lizard was considered a sign of divine origin. These motifs are characteristic of early Hawaiian tattooing, so it is easy to assume that the travelers who discovered these lands knew them. The myths say that " moko"can only be worn by people of divine origin, and by non-tribal people (non-Maori, "pakeha") should not be applied. Elements " moko" are as important as their location, conveying information about the wearer, his rank and the rank of his ancestors. However, such people can wear Kirituhi(literally blackened leather) or other decorative styles that can be applied anywhere and by anyone.
Turtle.
Turtle (" honu") is another important creature in all Polynesian cultures. It has several meanings, mainly - health, fertility, long life, peace, recreation, navigation. The Polynesian word "hono" also means “to connect, stitch together,” which explains the meanings of this symbol such as community, family(This can also be explained by the fact that turtles cross vast distances to return to their place of birth and give life to the next generation there). The ocean is life for the islanders, but it is also a place to relax. The earth and the ocean are two halves of the world and a turtle can exist in both halves, as well as move freely between them. From this point of view, it is believed that the turtle can also freely move from the world of the living to the world of the dead and back, accompanying the dead on their final journey, safely delivering them to a place of eternal rest. To safely depict the deceased being guided to a resting place by the turtle, it should be placed on or near the shell image.
Two symbols similar to the image of a person ( enata) is a traditional image of a turtle:
Another pattern representing a turtle imitates its shell:
Fish.
Fish is the main food for the islanders. This symbol means wealth, abundance, prosperity, life. Fish, as a symbol of abundance, is painted on the walls of houses and canoes to attract blessing of the gods.
Stylizations:
R 
Another pattern depicting fish scales brings protection to the owner:
Shark.
According to Hawaiian legend, one day while swimming, a woman was bitten on the ankle by a shark. Even though the shark was her totem, she grabbed it without recognizing it. The woman screamed her name loudly and the shark immediately released her, apologizing for his mistake. The shark promised that this mistake would not happen again, because... the woman's ankle will bear the scars of her teeth and she will recognize her immediately. Since then, many tribes have painted a pattern depicting shark teeth on their ankles (" niho mano"), which provides them protection in water.
Shark teeth also mean protection, guidance, strength, fearlessness. At the same time, in many cultures the shark is associated with adaptability, adaptability.
Hammerhead shark.
The hammerhead shark symbolizes perseverance, strength and determination. At the same time, it matters community, sociality because this species always moves in a group of several individuals.
Bonito (tuna).
A pattern similar to shark teeth is called "tuna tail" or " Hiku-atu". Means energy, agility, skill and abundance.
Moray eel.
In Polynesian myths, the moray eel plays a major role evil spirit Most stories tell about moray eels deceiving and devouring people. Symbolizes evil spirits, misfortune, illness.
Whale symbolizes abundance,family, care, education.
Other marine life with specific meaning:
Dolphins symbolize playfulness, joy and friendship.
Barracudas - ferocity And determination.
Marlins - speed And sharp mind, goal orientation.
Stingrays - elegance, wisdom, protection And freedom.
Sea urchins spicy and tough on the outside, but soft and delicious on the inside. For this reason they symbolize light in the dark.
Killer whales - strength, family, speed.
. 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, and swallows that were close and understandable to them. female images, compasses.
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 scenes in the eyes 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 became popular among Europeans relatively recently, in the first half of the twentieth century. Of course, they came into fashion thanks to their complex, bizarre and unusually beautiful patterns, consisting of spirals, waves, zigzags, geometric shapes. Even modern world celebrities (for example, John Dwayne) 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 were invested with a deep sacred meaning. With their help, contact was established with the transcendental upper world.
The very process of applying a tattoo was a sacred sacrament, a rite that only a priest could perform. Each drawing had its own meaning, influencing the fate of the wearer. This perception of body painting in the Polynesian picture of the world goes back to the ideas and rituals of the ancient Maori tribe.
Tattooing in Polynesia was a kind of business card or, more precisely, played the role of an identity document. She reported to what clan, and at the same time tribe, a person belongs, what kind of social status, what feats and worthy deeds he performed in life, what he became famous for.
The sketches of Polynesian tattoos captured in the photo are reminiscent of ancient artistic wood carvings, which not only perform an aesthetic function, but are endowed with great sacred content. The tree in the primitive, especially totemic consciousness was also deified, spiritualized, and identified with the human body.
In mythological concepts, the human body was likened to the world, the Universe, and in the astral understanding it 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, to bring good into life, correct character, change or improve fate, as if rewriting what was destined for 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 allow 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, goodness, success in planned enterprises.
- considered a powerful amulet. Protects from negativity. Gives inner freedom, sophistication and attractiveness.
- gives power, authority, willpower and perseverance. Protects from enemies and all kinds of harm.
- (and at the same time, a gecko, an iguana) reveals higher knowledge, the gift of clairvoyance, and enhances supernatural abilities.
And today, in our technological and civilized age, tattoos on some Polynesian islands have not lost their sacred meaning and are used to communicate with higher deities.
Video of tattoo in Polynesian style
