the tattoo is an integral part of polynesian culture, since thousands of years. polynesia, which is located on the pacific ocean, has more than a thousand islands. although tattooing is a common practice among all the polynesian islands, each island has is own distinctive style of designs of tattoos and reasons. however, before moving to designs of polynesian tattooing and meanings, it is very important to know the history of polynesian tattoos.
history of polynesian tattoos
it is a mythological tale associated with polynesian tattoos. it is believed that the god of creation, ta’aroa, had two sons who taught this art, including drawings, the meanings and the technical aspects of tattoos to humans. in the early days, the tattoo was considered a sacred art, and many rituals were attached to what was to be followed while a person was to be tattooed.
“tattoo” the word is derived from the samoan (polynesian island) word, meaning “mark” or “never strikes twice”. this word is the old method of tattooing is very different from what is done today. the equipment used for polynesian tattoos were tortoiseshell, bird bone, bamboo, etc, with which cuts were made in the body and tattoo inks have been in these sections. the process of tattooing on the body have been regarded as very important and was accompanied by songs, music, etc this painful event of tattooing process took a lot of time to get healed, but it was essential, because it symbolizes the courage and power. it was also believed that tattoos made a sexually more attractive person.
each design of tattooing in the body of a person represents a rank and status in society, personal success, or a particular phase of his / her life.the tattooing process began when a child turned 12 years, and was to mark his transition from childhood to adulthood. later, the tattoos have been added to the body that the person is moving forward in life. also symbolis tattoos social status and prestige of an individual, and the person who had the maximum number of tattoos in the body has watched with respect and admiration, while those who had tattoos on their body step have despised. in the case of women, tattooing has been restricted in the arms, lips, hands, chin and arms.
although tattooing was a custom for centuries in polynesia, where the english and the missionaries arrived in polynesia, the art of tattooing bankrupt disappear. however, in the 20th century, polynesian tattooing was relaunched, and designs of polynesian tattooing as soon became internationally famous. learn more about the history of tattooing.
polynesian tattoo designs
there are a variety of polynesian tattoo designs, however, they can be divided into two main categories. one is the enata and the other is the etua. enata tattoo designs are called natural models that represent things like the place of an individual of origin, social status, the history of life, etc, whereas drawings etua spiritual and religious meanings. etua drawings of tattoo represents the honour and worn as a talisman also. other than these tattoo designs, there are also many other models which are highly symbolic tattooing. tattoo designs are different in various polynesian islands. among several polynesian tattoo designs, the most popular are those drawings from maori island, and the hawaiian islands.
maori polynesian tattoo designs: maori is an ethnic minority of the new zealand. maori tattoos fake wholesale are made of complex reasons including spirals and curved forms.maori tattoo designs are completely different from other polynesian tattoo models, because the usual place on which these tattoos are made is the face. the reason for this can be attributed to the rather cold climate of the new zealand. these tattoos are made using a chisel and have been found on the legs, buttocks and the face of men. on the other hand, these tattoos were found on the neck, chin, lips and back of maori women. learn more about maori culture.
hawaiian polynesian tattoo designs: hawaiian tattoos not only indicate personal identification and protection itself, but were also worn as a decoration. these polynesian tribal tattoo designs are made in black ink, and is said to be the most important among all the polynesian tattoo designs. the most common hawaiian tattoo designs include that people prefer sea turtles, arrows, lizards, of tropical flowers and the dolphins. however, the most popular of them is the tattoos of flowers, especially hibiscus and orchid. usually, floral designs are considered as female, however, these hawaiian flower designs are popular with men also. while the hibiscus is the national flower of polynesia, the orchid is a rare flower that denotes a rare beauty. learn more about the hawaiian flower tattoos.
meaning polynesian tattooing
outside these reasons of polynesian tattoos, he ya many other models of traditional tattoos that have gained popularity in the modern world. the main reason for people to opt for these models of tattoo is that they are responsible for meanings. let us take a look at some of them.
gecko: the gecko is a type of lizard which were regarded as having supernatural powers by the polynesian people. the gecko was feared by the people of polynesia.
sharks: the ancient peoples considered polynesia sacred sharks and powerful animals. thus, tattoos of sharks have been regarded as a protective cover against the enemies of an individual. apart from sharks, shark teeth is a tattoo design that denotes protection.
shell: in polynesian culture, shells were used as currency, and therefore a tattoo shell represents wealth.
tiki: tiki tattoo designs come from the tiki art consisting of sculptures and statues of a human figure called “tiki”. tiki is regarded as the first man, and also a mythical ancestor of humans. the most striking feature of tiki is closed eyes, because it has a powerful sense of smell by which he is able to detect any type of problem before seeing.
turtles: the turtle is also a design of popular tattoo of polynesia. it is because he represents longevity and fertility, something that every human being seeks.
you can also learn more about:
design your own tattoo
tattoo care
tattoo
these are some of the designs of polynesian tattoos that can be commonly seen today. you can opt for one of these, however, if you want a unique look, get tattoo designs polynesian handle, or socket, or a full sleeve and a half. also research and design polynesian tattoo that you want to have to see if the tribal tattoo represents your personality and attitude.