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

According to one version, the history of tattooing began at the end of the 19th century with the invention of the electric tattoo machine. But this is only one of the stages of its development. It all started much earlier, on the islands of Polynesia. Even the name itself appeared as a derivative of the Polynesian word “tatau”, which means “drawing”.
And, although art was isolated from most continents, it originated there. The task of “tatau” was quite important: to tell about the status of the owner, to protect, to reveal his inner potential. Symbols in Polynesia were applied to the arms, shoulders, shins ... Almost the entire body, including the face, although this was not considered an adornment. In addition, it was more of a male privilege - some drawings had to be earned, proving superiority and strength. And the custom of tattooing was considered sacred.

How did the tribals and symbols of Polynesia spread to Europe? The credit belongs to sailors traveling all over the world. It was they who adopted the tradition from the Indians and became the first owners of old school tattoos. And also among the sailors, the custom was born to look at the drawings as good luck charms. Of course, their ideas had nothing to do with Polynesia, but they seriously influenced history as a whole.

Men's tattoos in the Polynesian style

Beautiful, original ornaments, consisting of curves, spirals and waves, attract people with extraordinary imagination. These are strong, bright personalities who strive for development. Among them are actors, athletes, musicians, born leaders, and more. As in the islands of Polynesia, the drawings are selected according to the nature and goals of the customer. For example, the shark symbolizes rapacity, strength and independence. And the turtle - calmness, harmony, longevity. At the same time, both of them are characterized by wisdom. And both of them fit perfectly on the shoulder. Just tell the master about your wishes, and he will create a unique sketch for you.

Polynesia for girls

Women are very sensitive to the world around them. Intuition, wisdom, love helps in this ... That is why Polynesia tattoos are so suitable for them - they reflect their essence and help to unlock their potential. Even a large tattoo on the thigh, back will be feminine and sexy - ethnic patterns repeat the natural curves and relief. It is only important to place them correctly! Therefore, we recommend contacting experienced craftsmen - professionals in their field!

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

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

Origin

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

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

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

Another tattoo was not just an ornament, but spoke about a person, about 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 - life and longevity, and a turtle at dawn - characterized the wearer as hardworking. Therefore, if it is important to you, it is better to contact a master who works only in this style, knows the history of the tribes and their secrets.

Meaning for guys

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

Also, Polynesian warriors applied 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, which carried the meaning of strength and courage, so it was stuffed for priests and warriors.

Meaning for girls

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

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

Women are tattooed on their legs, arms or shoulder, but it looks more feminine and elegant on the shoulder blades or back. Images of lizards or a stingray, 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 make small designs, because each symbol is made up of many different parts, so they can merge into a black flame. And it will not look nice and cool as you would like.

It is better for women not to make large drawings, it will look unaesthetic. It is better to make several small ones next to each other, so it will be both more beautiful and special.

Having made yourself a tattoo in the style of Polynesia, you can be sure that the body will get a new, beautiful look that will cause delight and a desire to feel the meaning of ancient symbolism.

This people have an ancient custom - to make tattoos. Polynesians in this skill have a special talent. According to their beliefs, drawings on the skin can change the character of a person and strengthen his spirit.

Polynesians treat the ocean with awe and honor. If you take a closer look at it, you will notice that their symbols are in most cases associated with water and its inhabitants.

Polynesian tattoos are characterized by a set of coded symbols that not only tell about the life of their owner, but also give him the necessary qualities. In addition, a tattoo is always an original, unlike other drawing, created by the master individually for a person.

Meaning of symbols

The meaning of Polynesian tattoos depends on the combination of elements that are depicted on them. The population of these islands highlights several main symbols that are most often found on tattoos.

• Sun- a sign that symbolizes eternity and life, alternating with death. It is joy, luck and positive energy. Depicted as a circle and denotes the importance of life.
• Moon. If this is a symbol of the crescent, then it denotes the feminine and vital abundance. The presence on the tattoo of both the Moon and the Sun tells about the revealed secret possibilities - such a person is the master of his own destiny.
• Water. The image of a spiral, wave or ribbon speaks of continuous changes that will last a lifetime. The spiral is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Everything that resembles a whirlpool of different sizes, indicates life stages, and also tells about the past, future and present.
• Shark. This fish symbolizes strength, stamina, perseverance and power. She is a sacred being in the water element. Polynesian shark tattoos protect against unfriendly people and third-party threats. If teeth are depicted as an ornament, they are able to protect the wearer from all troubles and hardships.
• Turtle. The symbol of family security, health, long life and fertility creates harmony of soul and body. In ancient times, warriors used shells as shields. On a tattoo, this element protects from evil spirits.

The meaning of secondary drawings

In addition to the main symbols, Polynesian tattoos use images of additional elements. Each curl has a meaning and carries a certain meaning.

Ocean dwellers

These creatures may be present in different parts of the drawing. If it is a whale, it protects friendship, family and home. Dolphin is a symbol of harmony in relationships. The octopus allows you to quickly adapt and adapt to circumstances. Eel speaks of unpleasant events that a person has experienced. The slope symbolizes external attractiveness and grace. Shells are interpreted as the wearer's attachment to the hearth, which is filled with harmony, mutual understanding and love.

Birds and other aerial creatures

It is a symbol of freedom and good news. The meaning of Polynesian tattoos here is twofold. With these elements in the picture, a person becomes wary, but on the other hand, he can evaluate what is happening from a height.

Drawn butterflies and dragonflies are a sign of magical transformations and changes in the soul.

People

Tattoos in the Polynesian style with the image of men represent a circle of relatives and friends who are able to provide support. The host is very grateful to these people. When the drawing shows several drawn men who are connected by hands, this means marriage and children.

If a man squats on a tattoo, this is interpreted as the militancy of the wearer and the ability to kill.

The image of a pair of eyes means ancestors watching the wearer from heaven. One eye bestows advantages over the enemy. So he intimidates and distracts the enemy.

Items

• The ax says that the person is a fighter. It symbolizes a courageous and courageous character.
• All kinds of cords are symbols of a strong relationship with loved ones.
• The boat protects the traveler or adventurer from obstacles along the way.
• The fishing hook is a symbol of good luck.
• Tics are quite common. In fact, these are masks that protect against the evil eye. It happens that they are stuffed with the direction of the gaze in different directions, so that the owner of the tattoo is protected from all sides.

Plants

• Fern means calmness and tranquility.
• Images of other leaves contribute to well-being and success in endeavors.
• The lotus serves to overcome difficult trials.
• Flowers symbolize beauty and perfection.
• The cross speaks of harmony.

Natural elements and elements

• Fire speaks of change.
• Stones and mountains signify achievement and stability.

It should be noted that these symbols have long been forgotten. The inhabitants of the islands themselves have already forgotten the secret knowledge. Despite this, there are quite a lot of fans of such entertaining ornaments in Russia.

Polynesian tattoos, photos of which are presented in our article, can be ordered from a professional master.

Polynesian tattoos, which appeared in the Pacific Islands, did not originally serve as body decoration. The Indians used wearable drawings to indicate their status in the environment, to talk about their exploits and spiritual state. Tattoos meant a lot to people: some of the drawings were able to attract the gods themselves to their side. It was impossible to throw out one detail from the general drawing, all of them concealed a deep meaning behind them. The more a person's body was decorated, the more successful and influential he was considered.

A tattoo in the Polynesian style differs from others in its unusual energy, which can attract the eye of any person. The drawings are powerful, strong, somewhere even frightening. This is not surprising, because in many of them aggressiveness is visible.

This style is done in black, but there is also a feminine version. Modern people pigment their skin more because of beauty and aesthetics, less often - with a semantic load. Therefore, girls are allowed to dilute the roughness of sketches with bright colors before getting a Polynesian tattoo on their shoulder.

By the way, Polynesian women were also tattooed, but mostly they were lips and chin.

Men are more accustomed to getting a Polynesian tattoo on their sleeve. This direction needs space, only then it will look decent on the body.