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

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.

These days, Polynesian tattoos are very popular along with many other types. And now it will not be difficult to make it for yourself: you just need to choose a sketch and a good master.

Story

The origin of such intricate patterns is quite interesting. Tattoos are called Polynesian because they originally appeared in Polynesia among the Maori tribe. The process of applying the pattern was considered sacred, so only priests had the right to fill them. And, as you might guess, tattoos were also not made for beauty, each of them had a special sacred meaning and, according to people, was a kind of divine channel. The drawings could be on a certain part of the body (shin, chest, thigh, face, hands, etc.) or on several at the same time.

They also played a big role in the society of the tribes of that time. According to tattoos about a person, it was possible to determine: character, tribe, occupation, origin, and much more. However, it is worth noting the fact that only men could do it for themselves, but by no means women.

What it is?

Not to be confused with anything. Each of them consists of small patterns, geometric shapes, spirals, curves, lines and other details that all together form a single whole picture. For example, a turtle, a wave and much more. When choosing, you should know what the meaning of a Polynesian tattoo is. We will consider this in more detail below with specific examples.

Shark

The image of a shark means stamina, fortitude, perseverance, because it is a strong and dangerous predator. Such a tattoo could be applied, for example, to fishermen so that it would protect them from other animals. Often such a pattern was applied to the legs or chest.

TIKI

Very interesting tattoos in the Polynesian style in the form of masks. They are otherwise called TIKI. In ancient times, only hunters and warriors of the tribe could wear such images of masks. Why? Because it was these people who were in greater danger due to their activities, and TIKI could protect them in difficult times, protect them from attacks by animals and people, and, most importantly, from evil spirits. Such Polynesian masks have eyes, at the sight of which all "impure forces" are terrified. As a rule, Polynesians had several tattoos with TIKI masks on different parts of the body to scare away evil from all sides.

Turtle

Often you can find such an image. The turtle is a symbol of protection, as its strong shell will never allow anything bad to break through: negative energy, misfortunes, bad thoughts and emotions. It is also a very strong amulet, as the Polynesian tribes believed.

Sun

It is a symbol of energy, life, light. Such a tattoo seems to illuminate the life path of a person. The sun is depicted in different ways, which also affects the meaning. For example, sunrise is an influx of energy, awakening, and sunset means rebirth.

Moon

In contrast to the Sun, there is another equally important symbol. The Moon (as well as the Month) as a whole denotes everything related to fortitude, and also serves as a kind of figurative source of light and patronage for hunters.

stingray

In nature, the stingray is generally harmless, but at the same time poisonous. These cute creatures are perceived by Polynesians as a symbol of calmness, measuredness, grace and beauty, which, however, can hurt if it is encroached upon.

Lizard

As you can see, the Polynesians, with images and patterns on the body, sought to adopt all the best features and qualities personified by these objects or creatures. The same thing happened, for example, with the drawing of a lizard. They are of different types, but all of them are distinguished by speed, resourcefulness, courage. As a rule, warriors wore such tattoos so that they would help them in difficult times. If the lizard was depicted with a turtle, then this meant that the wearer of the tattoo was a man of his word.

Spiral

But a kind of peculiar spiral was considered a sign of hope and the beginning of a new (better) life. Another name is Koru. Spirals are closed and open. In the first case, this means infinity, constancy, self-development, and in the second, renewal and restoration.

Meaning of symbols

Above, we examined the main options for images and drawings that are made up of patterns and details. However, in addition to them, there are smaller, but no less important symbols of the Polynesian tattoo, each of which also has its own meaning. Of these, as a rule, large drawings are also created.

These symbols are interesting not only from the point of view of the history of tattoos, but also for studying the culture and mentality of the tribes of Oceania in general. So, for example, the famous traveler and ethnographer Karl von den Steinen at the end of the 19th century (1897-98) made a lot of useful notes regarding the life of the Polynesian tribes. He gave them to other scientists and universities. In his writings, he also touched on symbols that were of great importance to the Polynesians.

Let's take a closer look at the meanings of these figures.

Enata

Man (in other words - "enata") is a fairly simple symbol. As a rule, it happens as part of complex drawings, and denotes loved ones. If the enata is turned upside down, then this symbolizes the defeated enemies.

Also, many Polynesian peoples depicted a circle of these little men, translated as "cloudy sky", which symbolizes the sky, as well as all the ancestors who, according to legend, can patronize the living.

But the likeness of two figures, united together, usually depicts a marriage, a wedding, a couple.

It is very easy to confuse enata symbols with other images of warriors in the form of the same human figures. But there is a significant difference between them - the presence of a spear. And the meaning of such drawings is already different.

It is worth noting that it is not always possible to recognize the symbols of men in a Polynesian tattoo. Some variations are so simplified that they are a kind of geometric image that only slightly resembles a person.

Items

From small simplified images of objects, they could also make up a whole picture. So, for example, to designate a man-warrior, spears, tips, sharp objects (fangs, sting) and other weapons of battle could be drawn on it. Of these, they also often made up a long chain or circle.

Another indispensable item in the life of the Polynesians, which was both a weapon for battles and used to build houses / canoes, was a hoe. She symbolized skill, strength, respect.

But according to the drawing of the club, it was possible to determine the leader of the tribe, since only they used it in battles. This item denotes leadership, nobility, honor, respect, honour. In general, all the qualities of an ideal leader.

Animals

Of other simple symbols, the inhabitants of the islands in Oceania often stuffed animals on the bodies. So, for example, centipedes were often depicted. They, like stingrays, are generally harmless, but poisonous, therefore dangerous and symbolize courage, the spirit of struggle.

Lizards (geckos, moko), which often appear in the ancient myths of many peoples, also have a special sacred meaning. Among the Polynesian tribes, it is believed that these animals bring good luck and patronage, protection from unclean forces. In some cases, the image of moko meant divine origin.

Another important animal in Polynesian tattoos is the tortoise ("honu"). It personifies the family, fertility, longevity, peacefulness, the ocean, freedom. The whale symbol also has a similar meaning.

Fish was important to the islanders, as it was the main source of food. And that is why the image with the fish meant abundance, prosperity, life. But the pattern in the form of scales, as it was believed, could be a protection for a person.

Often, the inhabitants of the islands tattooed themselves with sharks, or rather, with their sharp triangular teeth. Such a symbol means strength, courage. It is believed that the drawing can protect in water. In addition, there is also a hammerhead shark symbol, which also symbolizes sociality and friendship.

How to get a Polynesian tattoo these days?

If earlier not every person could afford such tattoos, but only men of some tribes in Oceania, now everything has become much easier and more accessible. If you have gone through the directory of Polynesian tattoos and firmly decided to make yourself the desired drawing, now you need to find a master in a tattoo parlor. In such places, as a rule, many of the tattooists know how to do this kind of thing. They draw a sketch or immediately fill in the selected image. You can make yourself a neat Polynesian tattoo on your arm or fill your whole body completely, the scope for the realization of fantasies is quite wide.

However, many believe that such patterned drawings should be made in Polynesia. And indeed, only there you can feel the whole sacredness of such an action. Often, drawings are stuffed there in the same way as the distant ancestors of the Polynesians did, using the fang of an animal (for example, a shark or a wild boar). It is worth noting that this is a painful, but at the same time more impressive process.

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.

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:

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 an unfinished 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 cyclicality. Visualization of the second is interpreted as renewal and restoration.

Polynesians are 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.