Meaning of Polynesian tattoos. Turtle Polynesia Tattoo Meaning Polynesian Turtle Tattoo Meaning

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

The Polynesian languages do not actually differ from each other and change, 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) - 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.

"History of Great Journeys" (in three volumes - read - very interesting) was written on the basis of a thorough and painstaking study of documents, notes of travelers, diaries of expedition members. Here is how Jules Verne describes the Maori people of interest to us: “According to ancient legends, the Maori came about 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 out or almost completely exterminated the primitive population. They had a custom of tattooing; in some tattoos, both amazing skill and taste were manifested at the same time, which was difficult to expect from a primitive people. The islanders were distinguished by a good physique, they had beautiful faces, skin of a yellowish or dark red color, which seemed almost black from the tattoo that covered the whole body.

In the past, being tattooed required courage, stamina and stamina, especially for those who performed such a rite for the first time. To do this, the Master marked a drawing on the skin and injected the pigment there with the help of a pick, hitting it with a stick-hammer. Sometimes tattoos were applied without prior marking. But, since any mistakes are irreparable here, the drawing was sometimes outlined in advance with charcoal or even with the help of a special stamp.

Therefore, 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, in honor of the one who withstood all these tests and challenged himself through pain, a holiday was arranged. Making irreversible changes in their appearance, including applying tattoos, people believed that they were changing themselves. As noted by the author of the book "Tattoo as a historical source" - an anthropologist, archaeologist, doctor of historical sciences M.B. Mednikov that “The human body was supposed to be “finished” so that it would correspond to its new social state. After all, in order to become a genuine person, you must also resemble a mythical model.

Maria Borisovna gave me her consent to quote her book (“Languages of Slavic Culture”, 2007), which tells the story of tattoos in general among many peoples of the world in the best possible way. The anthropologist's interest in this topic reveals to us the semantic meaning of tattoos, which justifies and proves the desire of a reasonable person to put indelible signs on himself.

In the book by M.B. Mednikova has a legend that tells about the hero of the New Zealand aborigines Mataora in the underworld 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.

Currently, 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, since now people can be tattooed painlessly and can be considered a tattoo as an adornment of their own body.

Tattoo, in its primitive form very crude, then 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 in icons and lines about the life of a person who has a unique tattoo.

As accurately described in "Russian paleography" by V.N. Shchepkin, “ornament is a rhythmic visual art within a plane. Any 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 repetitive artistic elements, are called motifs in ornament. The motive acts on us as an artistic unit, i.e. gives the impression of aesthetic unity. The combination of motifs occurs in the ornament quite independently of nature, on the basis of the instincts of symmetry and rhythm.

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

Maori ornamentation consists mainly of such motifs as spirals, waves, ribbons and meanders (an ornament made up of right angles that form 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;

- a symbol of family and protection;

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

Today, many contemporary artists have appeared on the Internet who take the liberty of interpreting Maori characters from themselves. Here 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

A 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 adversity

warrior, fighter

protection from external troubles and adversities

Scorpion: bravery

strong bond, eternal love

adaptability

Canoe: adventure

Acne: adversity

affection, love, shelter, haven

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

Cord: ancestors

Cross: balance, harmony symbol

luck in everything

beauty

blessing, peace

courage, courage

connections represent the past, present and future

stability

Here I want to remind you that the fauna of the islands was very poor, and of the tetrapods, only rats and dogs were found, and the natives willingly used the latter for food. But the flora and water world, on the contrary, were very diverse.

Therefore, the presence of wolves, lions, and even more so phoenixes in the ornaments, I consider not correct for the Polynesian tattoo.

And this is Duanne Rock Jones' famous tattoo on the Internet with the meaning that he put into symbols and elements.

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

B) It is -/a - the sun that brings good luck.

C) This is isa / ga fa "atasi (three people in one), This is me with open arms, 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) The two eyes, called o mata e lua, represent my ancestors following 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 confrontation.

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

H) It is the priest and spiritual guide who raises 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 basis 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 protect from 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 pile of different, sometimes unrelated symbols. It only remains for me to give you advice - this is to listen to yourself, choose the elements and compose your tattoo. And then... show it to everyone! Sergei Grek.

And yet, I will 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, already yesterday) about the possibility of you tattooing me with island Polynesian symbols. Attached is a draft sketch that I drew so that you have an understanding of how I imagine it. It does not differ in great artistry and clarity of lines, but I told you on the phone that by the nature of my activity I am not an artist at all, and even more so, not a tattoo artist (although, I must admit, I tried very hard and I was proud of the result))) ).
How was the idea to turn to Polynesia born: I had an idea of what meaning I want to put in the image on my body + I wanted this image to be connected with the sea, marine animals, etc. for several years, I am going to continue to develop in this area and I do not exclude the possibility of making this my additional, and later, possibly, my main job. Then I turned to the Internet, where, after some digging, I came across the theme of the Polynesian tattoo, in which I just found everything that I needed, besides, they look very original and beautiful. I won’t say that I found a lot of information on the topic of the Polynesian tattoo and its history (especially in 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 *Polinesian 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" collected from numerous island tribes of Oceania .. But I do not pretend to be a Maori warrior)) After all, a tattoo should bring aesthetic pleasure to its owner and carry a semantic meaning for him in the first place. I think so, anyway. The main thing for me is not to go too far 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 meet my request, I took up a pencil and tried to arrange them. It turned out what happened. I hope, with your help, we will bring this idea to mind. According to the sketch of my tattoo, or what I had in mind: The main idea is to enter a manta (a 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 accumulate in merger with the moon, or rather the crescent (symbolizing femininity, feminine, feminine energy, etc.). To some extent, I associate myself with this manta. And the confluence of the sun and the moon is a kind of Yin-Yang and the possibility of the impossible in my life. In the center of the manta, I tried to fit a turtle (a symbol of a family that is inextricably linked with me, health and longevity, life navigator). In the center of the figures, both the manta and the marquis turtle, there is a cross (a symbol of harmony). The head of a turtle is a symbolic image of a hammerhead shark (determination, stamina, perseverance). Her right front flipper is a fishing hook (good luck), her left front flipper is a sea shell (meaning love, shelter, shelter), her hind legs are mountains (stability). Shark teeth go around the turtle (as a symbol of protecting the family from all external troubles and hardships, as well as a symbol of the ability to adapt to change). The horseshoe icon above the manta's tail is the symbol of a woman. Below, at the base of the tail - a symbol of a palm tree (peace and tranquility). On the right wing of the manta there is an enata ornament (friends and close people, who are always with me and provide support). Then a double helix, a twist (union, eternal love). On the left wing of the manta is an ornament of the islands (travels, discoveries). Then - triple twist (meeting with other cultures, adaptation to the new). In the head of the manta are the signs of Koru (new beginning), on both sides of them, frigate birds (openings). Crescent (everything about women here) from bottom to top: 4 fish. (as 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 a height, help of a loved one / partner / smearing in difficult life situations), to the right of the birds of the wave (changes for the better), again a sea shell, a fishing hook (good luck in everything). Ornament of sunbeams - sky and air. It's like this... :-) By location of the tattoo: I want it to be on the back, in the center. It started right under the shoulder blades (or even between) - and went down. But this, of course, is discussed with you in accordance with how it will look in terms of the laying of the muscles, will fall on my not very wide back, or other nuances that I do not know about. Tattoo size: I am sending you a scanned copy of the A4 sheet on which the sketch was made. I would like the real tattoo not to exceed the drawn size. Or, if it exceeded, then not much (because, as I already mentioned, my back is rather narrow, and I am not ready to hammer it from the neck to the waist yet). But this, again, needs to be discussed with you. I don’t understand much about the art of drawing pictures on 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 blob... More wishes: I want it to look as light and "laced" as possible, ie. not overloaded with heavy thick lines. I saw many photos of male Polynesian tattoos, which were very massive, aggressive, with a predominance of black, with a scope for the entire limb or torso. I would 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 over the phone that this would be my first. Therefore, don't misunderstand me (even if it's funny to you. Although, you're probably already used to it..))))), I take everything connected with it very reverently and seriously. In addition, the decision to apply it for me is associated with serious changes that have already begun in part in my life, and, to a greater extent, that will take place in the near future. So I really count on understanding!)) For my part, I promise to try to endure your brain as little as possible.)))))))))

In ancient times, tattoos were popular in many nations, but not all of them have now retained the look they had in the beginning. Polynesian tattoos can be attributed to the list of those tattoos that have remained the same, they have retained their appearance and its cultural identity. In this case, the Polynesian tortoise and its meaning are considered.

Turtle tattoos themselves are very popular, mainly due to the pattern of the shell. Turtle tattoos convey not only the aesthetic qualities of a person and this symbol, but also energy. In addition, they carry many different meanings.

The Polynesian tortoise means wisdom, calmness, slowness and a balanced character. person. Despite such a long list of meanings, many can change depending on the pattern on the shell. turtle shell means protection from adversity and some inner knowledge.

Also, a tattoo with a Polynesian tortoise can act as a strong guardian. This power is explained by the fact that it comes from ancient times, when amulets were very popular and all peoples had their own specific symbols for good luck. And finally, another additional meaning of the Polynesian tortoise tattoo can be called longevity and fertility. Such meanings are suitable for both boys and girls, because they carry only a good and positive meaning.

One of the categories of tattoos that are especially popular in our time are Polynesian tattoos. Such drawings are bright and visible in the distance. But the hallmark of these images is not only the brightness and originality of the picture, but also a deep meaning. Polynesian tattoos will make you feel the strength and power of a native Polynesian. Despite the popularity of this type of tattoo, the style of drawing for many people remains new.

Polynesian sleeve style

Origin of Polynesian Style Tattoos

The Polynesian Islands are made up of a group of islands that are located in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous among them are Tahiti, Cook Island, Hawaii, Easter Island. Each person associates these islands with the exotic. It was here, on these fertile lands, that not only the original method of painting was born, but also the very concept of a tattoo. This word comes from "ta" - a picture and "atu" - a spirit.

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

For Polynesians, wearable designs were not an easy way to decorate themselves. Tattoos showed the occupation of a person, his status among other inhabitants of the island, as well as individual characteristics and qualities. On the islands, the number of tattoos corresponded to the place that a person occupied in society. Modern tattoos do not demonstrate social status, but convey the atmosphere of Polynesia and the character of the people.

Shoulder of a man in Polynesian patterns

Originality of the drawing

Polynesian tattoo designs are made up of intricate designs and intricate shapes. The lines of the drawing meander or are applied straight, thus making up a separate composition or image. It can be geometric shapes, elements, animals, cosmic bodies and others. Each element of such a picture has its own meaning.

Important!

Only priests had the right to apply drawings on the human body. Since this process was not just a decoration of the body, but a mysterious rite that could be identified with an act of initiation.

Bracelet on the hand, made in the Polynesian style

Polynesian traditions

Tattooing, like the image itself, was an important ritual in the Polynesian Islands. The artist who painted the tattoo was a priest, for his work he always received gifts and, more importantly, the respect of the whole society. Since the process of applying a tattoo was lengthy, those who wished to receive a tattoo and deserved it lived in the priest's house for a long time. "Clients" were constantly praying.

A large number of large-scale tattoos could only have leaders and their inner circle. For others, the drawings were much simpler. Women were tattooed on their lips to keep them from aging.

I'm crazy about Polynesian tattoos. And I own one myself. This drawing looks elegant, not trivial and always attracts the attention of others. In addition, such a tattoo acts as a kind of totem and gives self-confidence and strength.

Artem, St. Petersburg.

Polynesian style tattoos on the forearm

Polynesian tattoos: a variety of pattern options

The process of drawing a picture, like the image itself, has many options that have developed traditionally. Moko's technique differed from the well-known technique of piercing an image. For its implementation, a chisel was used to obtain incised wounds.

Turtle tattoo on the back, made in the Polynesian style

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

Polynesian tattoo sketches differ from other body designs in their clarity of lines and shapes. This tattoo is very reminiscent of woodcarving, creates the effect of a three-dimensional image. Elements in tattoos are quite diverse: from spirals and lines to images of representatives of the animal world. It was the richness of the flora and fauna of Polynesia that became the source for wearable drawings in the form of fish, moon, stars, ferns and other symbols. Images and additional details are placed symmetrically on the body. This gives a special originality and charm to the wearable pattern.

Polynesian leg tattoo

The meaning of tattoos

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

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

The shark symbolizes omnipotence, power and strength, purposefulness. Since the shark is perceived as a sacred animal with power and fearlessness. Such a pattern is designed to protect the owner.
Tiki is a popular symbol depicting Polynesian masks. Such drawings protect the owner from external threats, as well as from evil spirits. The eyes on the mask look in different directions, which symbolizes attention and protection.
Turtle - longevity, fertility. Such a pattern is a symbol of family and protection.
Moon- female version of the Polynesian tattoo. Since the Moon has become a symbol of femininity, feminine and abundance.
Sun, as in other tattoos, embodies eternity and life. The combination of two luminaries - the Moon and the Sun - focuses on the fact that the impossible is possible.
Lizards, geckos - a symbol of supernatural power.

Blackwork in Polynesian style on the leg

Each person, before getting a tattoo, thought about the appropriateness of the act. I'm not an exception. Therefore, having nevertheless made a decision, I determined for myself the category of tattoos, which optimally expressed my essence and admiration for the art of body painting. Who also has not decided, I advise you to consider this category as an option.

Alina, Omsk

Video: the best tattoos in the Polynesian style

Sketches of Polynesian tattoos

The Polynesian tattoo is deeply symbolic and seems a bit rough. In the article we will talk about the meaning and features of images, as well as provide an original selection of photos with thumbnails.

The first wearable drawings appeared in the Pacific Islands. For the Indians, they were like memoirs: they talked about the 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 filled exclusively by priests for several months. Procedure accompanied by special rituals and songs to support the man. The priest attached a stencil with an image to the body, cut out the elements with the help of a hammer and a sharpened tooth 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 so that it turned pale, and a contrast of black lines and a white body was obtained. Men were expelled from society if the drawing was not completed.

The nobility had more wearable designs than people of low status. Men most often stuffed Polynesian tattoos on the face (especially the leaders), in the area from the waist to the knees. Large spirals were applied to the buttocks (closed meant infinity and perfection, expanded meant renewal and restoration). According to the patterns on the chest and wrist, the position of a person in society was determined. The ornament on the forehead meant success in battles, on the cheeks - a profession, on the chin - origin. Women had fewer drawings, mostly they were applied to the lips and chin.

Sketches of Polynesian tattoos were brought to the West by an assistant to James Cook in the late 18th century. The navigator introduced the word “tatu” into English, which, translated from the dialect of the tribe, 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 add up to geometric shapes. There is no play of color palette and shadows, abstraction and blurry contours. The pictures are symmetrical and clear, made with black pigment, although now you can add a little color or complement the image with bright colors. Such a tattoo looks gentle and feminine, common among girls.

Each element has a deep meaning and carries a large 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 element of bonito or tuna means energy, resourcefulness and skill, it can be part of a pattern or an animal. It is depicted in the form of teeth arranged in two rows so that white rhombuses are obtained 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 did not lose her head, but shouted her name. The predator apologized and swam away. Left teeth marks - a mark that the girl is her friend. Since then, shark teeth (niho mano) have been applied to the ankle.

Polynesian drawing is quite complex, so many go to Tahiti, Easter Island, Samoa or Haiti to be applied by a skilled craftsman. However, after the Spanish conquerors, many sources were destroyed and the meaning of some symbols is unknown. You also need to consider that Polynesian tattoos are divided into several subspecies, 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 in the old fashioned way: not with a needle, but with a pig or shark 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 a deep symbolism, saturated with legends and beliefs.
It is believed that the tattoo of the sun in the Polynesian style appeared on the body of the Indians the very first. It illuminates the path of life, and after death does not allow you to go into darkness. The drawing denotes life and immensity, good luck in undertakings, brings positive 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 life.

The Polynesian moon is often used in female images. She personifies femininity, spiritual strength and greatness, devotion 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 a resident month and patronizes 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 the body, is a talisman of the hearth and protection from misfortunes. Turtle and sunrise denotes diligence. Polynesian warriors used her shell as a shield, so the drawing has another meaning: strength of body and spirit, stamina and balance. According to legend, the turtle carries souls to the kingdom of the dead, therefore, after death, the Polynesians put on the body the sign of a person walking nearby or sitting on a 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 - resistance to troubles, if depicted under a luminary - imperishable strength and power, together with a dolphin - strong and true friendship.

Pectoral drawing of a lizard - connection with the gods and access to other worlds. According to legend, the gods come to a person exclusively in the form of a gecko, so the image personifies a supernatural power that passes to the owner. For warriors, a tattoo meant physical strength, hardness, endurance and speed. If a lizard was stuffed with a turtle, then the person is responsible for his words and deeds.

Warriors and hunters put on the mask of the deity Tiki to protect themselves from evil spirits and death. The image is suitable for temperamental and courageous men. The picture can be supplemented with various elements: shark teeth, tuna, birds, waves, men.
Polynesian stingray tattoo means grace, spiritual beauty, grace and freedom, is a powerful defense. Often this image includes hooks symbolizing good luck, tiki masks - protection from all evil, a hibiscus flower - beauty, a cross - harmony and balance, 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, therefore it can mean dexterity and cunning. They make such a Polynesian tattoo on the shoulder or back, it is possible on the ankle and foot, it looks good on the girls on the lower back.

Polynesian tattoos for men - physical and spiritual strength

The underwear pattern gives masculinity and brutality, if applied on the back or forearm, capturing part of the chest. The sleeve looks good at full length or from the shoulder to the elbow, from the elbow to the neck.

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 drawings or a thin strip of ornament descending along the abdomen or back.

Female Polynesian tattoos - mystery and grace

Pictures look too massive for the female body, but you can pick up 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, lower back. Pictures of lizards or a stingray look more elegant when the tail is depicted as a flexible or twisted ring. The composition can be supplemented with flowers or fern (calm and peace), butterflies and dragonflies (spiritual transformation), birds (freedom and control over the situation from above).

Polynesian tattoos do not go well with bright and voluminous images of other styles. You should not stuff too small pictures: each picture consists of a large number of different details, they can visually merge into a black and white spot. The beauty and grandeur of the wearable picture will be lost.

Photo tattoo in Polynesia

Shoulder

Sleeve

Sun

Turtle

Shark

On the foot

On the chest

Bull

Bear

Moon

On the back

Forearm

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 give 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's almost impossible to give a single definition for each symbol. For the same reason, it is incredibly difficult to "read" a finished tattoo - after all, a lot depends directly on the choice of a tattoo artist. Large elements are composed 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 Carl von den Stein during a trip in 1897-98.

human figure, or enata means man or woman, less often deity. This pattern can be placed in a tattoo to represent friends, loved ones And dear people, relatives. If you place this pattern in a tattoo, turning it upside down, then the pattern will mean defeated enemies. Here are a few examples that show how a pattern can evolve artistically and take on new versions of an image:

First simplification:

Second simplification:

Even more stylized this motif is called ani ata- people forming a circle. In translation, this motif is called "cloudy sky". According to the 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 Ranks back up and let no light in that way. This is a common motif for all Polynesian peoples and is used to represent sky, and ancestors protecting their descendants.

Paired human figures traditionally represent wedding, marriage:

Often the image of a man and a woman is different from each other:

Warrior.

Another version of the human figure is often used for depiction warrior, especially if the figure is holding a spear over its head:

Like others, this original image generates a variety of simplified patterns. In version b, only the torso and head remain from the original image:

A spear.

Another classic symbol to represent warrior- a spear:

Often a spear is stylized in a circle of tips, there are several options for the image:

Also, this pattern can symbolize any sharp objects and even sting sea stingray or other animal.

Tesla, hoe.

This stone tool was used for many purposes, including war. Basically, with the help of it, canoes were carved and houses were built. The tattoo symbolizes skill, overcoming obstacles, strength(physical and spiritual) authority.

Centipede.

Even if the poisonous spikes on the centipede's head are not depicted, it still means aggressive environment, nature, animal nature. In a tattoo, she symbolizes spirit of struggle, warriors, determination, rebellion. As usual, below are simplified images:

Club (to a lesser extent).

A flat, short club used primarily by chieftains in battle. In this case, this symbol means leader, leader, honor, respect, greatness, nobility, nobility- in general, all the qualities inherent in the leader of the tribe.

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 those 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 signs to disrespectful people. In Australia, lizards symbolize regeneration, transformation, survival in difficult conditions. In the Maori culture, they are rather protectors and trustees, so they are often buried in new, freshly built houses, as well as carved on the walls - thus keeping diseases and evil spirits as far away from the dwelling as possible. Also, a lizard is sometimes perceived as an ancestor of a person, and apparently this explains such a similarity between the simplified image of a gecko and a person:

Besides, " moko" is the name of the Maori face tattoos, also incredibly sacred, so probably the name " moko" came from earlier drawings in which the image of a lizard was considered a sign of divine origin. These motifs are inherent in the early Hawaiian tattoo, 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, giving information about the wearer, his rank and the rank of his ancestors. However, such people may wear Kirituhi(literally blackened skin) or other decorative styles that can be applied anywhere and by anyone.

Turtle.

Turtle (" Khonu") is another important creature in all Polynesian cultures. It has several meanings, mainly - health, fertility, long life, peace, rest, navigation. The Polynesian word "hono" also means "to join, sew together", which explains such meanings of this symbol as community, family(It can also be explained by the fact that turtles travel great distances to return to their birthplace and give birth 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, accompany the dead on their last journey, safely delivering them to a place of eternal rest. To safely depict the deceased being guided by the turtle to rest, it must be placed on or near the shell image.

Two characters that look like a picture of a person ( enata) is a traditional image of a turtle:

Another pattern denoting a tortoise 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 applied to the walls of houses and canoes, attracting blessing of the gods.

Styling:

Another pattern depicting fish scales brings protection 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 her mistake. The shark promised that this mistake would not happen again, because. the woman's ankle will be scarred by her teeth and she will immediately recognize her. Since then, many tribes have adorned their ankles with shark teeth (" niho mano"), which provides them protection in the water.

Also, shark teeth 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 vigor, dexterity, skill and profusion.

Moray.

In Polynesian myths, moray eels mainly play a role evil spirit. Most of the stories are about how moray eels deceive and devour people. Symbolizes evil spirits, misfortune, illness.