Tattoos in the Polynesian style among Europeans gained popularity relatively recently, in the first half of the twentieth century. Of course, they came into fashion thanks to their complex, bizarre and unusually beautiful ornament, consisting of spirals, waves, zigzags, geometric shapes. Even modern world celebrities (for example, John Duane) 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 had a deep sacred meaning. With their help, contact was established with the transcendent upper world.

The very process of tattooing was a sacred sacrament, a rite that only a priest could perform. Each drawing had its own meaning, influencing the fate of the wearer. Such a perception of body painting in the Polynesian picture of the world goes back to the ideas and rituals of the ancient Maori tribe.

A tattoo in Polynesia was a kind of business card or, more precisely, played the role of an identity document. She reported on what kind, and at the same time the tribe, a person belongs to, what social status he has, what feats and worthy deeds he performed in life, what he became famous for.

The sketches of Polynesian tattoos, captured in the photo, resemble ancient artistic woodcarving, which not only performs an aesthetic function, but is endowed with great sacred loading. The tree in the primitive, especially totemic consciousness was also deified, spiritualized, identified with the human body.

The human body in mythological representations was likened to the world, the Universe and in the astral understanding 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, bring good into life, correct character, change or improve fate, as if rewriting what was destined by 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 let 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, kindness, success in planned enterprises.
• considered a powerful amulet. Protects from negativity. Gives inner freedom, sophistication and attractiveness.
• gives power, power, willpower and perseverance. Protects from enemies and all harm.
• (and at the same time - gecko, iguana) reveals higher knowledge, the gift of clairvoyance, enhances supernatural abilities.

And today, in our technogenic and civilized age, tattoos on some Polynesian islands have not lost their sacred meaning and are used to communicate with higher deities.

Polynesian style tattoo video

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 practice the ritual of applying a tattoo in the Polynesian style. They were always treated with great respect: for their work they always received precious gifts. The execution process 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 a whole ordeal. If someone had a half-finished image in the style of Polynesia - this person was positioned as a "shame on the family."

In order to decipher what the picture of Polynesia means, you need to navigate the local totems and be rewarded with a good imagination, because some objects may be hidden under the guise of an ornament. In addition, the direction originated on the territory of a thousand 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. Consider the main ones:

• Miniature drawings. Looking through Polynesian patterns, few people pay attention to various small figures. First, 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 (points to a warrior). Also there are tools of agriculture (skill, authority), centipedes (aggression, struggle). 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 semantic load - 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 the Polynesian sun. In all world cultures, this star personified light, life and warmth. Therefore, the value of the sun for its owner is a source of energy and a powerful amulet that illuminates the path of life with its rays.
• Moon. Polynesian tattoos for girls are often represented by this plot, because it symbolizes femininity and greatness.
• Polynesian masks "tiki" found their reflection on the bodies of warriors and hunters. Their purpose is protection from evil forces. There is an opinion that wherever the owner of the mask does not have time to look, the look of the “tiki” is already directed there. They are applied to the skin in several pieces so that their eyes look 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. Visualization of the second is interpreted as renewal and restoration.

The Polynesians were geographically located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which explains the huge number of paintings with fish:

• Shark. Polynesian shark tattoos gained popularity thanks to an interesting story of the indigenous people. Referring to their beliefs, the following situation happened: one girl was swimming in the sea and was bitten on the leg by a predator. Most importantly, this fish was the victim's personal totem. The woman screamed her name in confusion, and the shark recognized her. The fish immediately let go of its leg and asked for an apology. The fish explained this act by simply not being able to recognize it. But now, when the teeth mark remains on the skin, this will no longer happen. Therefore, patterns of shark teeth are often found providing protection in the water.
• Skat. In Oceania, it expresses wisdom and calmness, is presented as a protective symbol.
• Another fairly common sign is the whale. It symbolizes family care, upbringing and greatness.

Whatever symbolism these drawings are endowed with, nowadays few people attach importance to this. As soon as the global popularization of the movement began, on other continents this direction was devoid of sacred meaning and was applied simply as decoration. But at home, traditions have been preserved to this day.

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!

The art of drawings on the body originated precisely in the Pacific Islands - in this way the Polynesians told about themselves to others, protected them from adversity and emphasized their special status. Read on to find out all about tattoos in this style.

Style history

Start

Polynesia is a sub-region of a thousand islands in the Pacific Ocean. It forms a triangle whose vertices are New Zealand, Easter Island and the Hawaiian Islands. Now it is difficult to determine when the first people appeared there - scientists tend to the middle of the first millennium BC, but they cannot name the exact year or century. But Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to reach Polynesia - in 1521 he arrived on one of the islands, which he called San Pablo. Since then, the world has gradually become acquainted with the original Polynesian culture, and especially with the culture of tattooing - this is where this art originated.

1.jpg

2.jpg

3.jpg

The Polynesian style is divided into several sub-styles by the names of the islands: Hawaiian tattoos, Maori, Samoa, Tahiti, Tiki - and each of them has recognizable black ornaments.

4.jpg

5.jpg

6.jpg

For Polynesians, underwear drawings are a visiting card and a kind of passport: they tell about the status in the tribe, about exploits, about spiritual development. Ornaments on the forehead show success in battles, patterns on the chin - origin, on the cheeks - the profession, on the chest and wrists - position in society. Large unfolded spirals on the buttocks speak of restoration and a kind of renewal, closed ones symbolize infinity and perfection.

7.jpg

8.jpg

9.jpg

Creating a picture on the body is a sacred rite that only the priest performs: with the help of a hammer and a sharpened tooth / needle / stone, he knocks out patterns where he sprinkles the dye. The blood is wiped so that the drops do not fall on the ground.

Now

The tattoo in the Polynesian style is massive, clear and symmetrical. Geometric spirals, waves, circles, triangles are filled with black pigment, thin and wide lines, without playing with color and shadow.

The drawings use marine animals - stingrays, turtles, sharks - and images of the sun, moon, traditional Tiki mask. The meanings of all symbols are different, it is easy to make a mistake, so it is better to talk with a specialist before choosing a tattoo.

Interesting: people with tattoos in this style

The famous American actor and wrestler Dwayne Johnson, nicknamed "The Rock", made his debut in the ring in 1996, and starred in the movie for the first time in 2001. Charismatic, in good shape, he quickly gained popularity in both areas, and got into the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the highest honorarium for the first major role.

According to Dwayne himself, every stroke in his Polynesian tattoo has a certain meaning: important events from life, memories, amulets for good luck. Well, this tattoo definitely suits him!

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.