The Pacific Ocean contains a whole group of islands called Polynesia. It includes the following islands: Hawaii, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Easter Island and others known to all. These islands have always been surrounded by a halo of mystery and myths.
The origins
Since ancient times, the most famous art form in the area has always been Polynesian tattoos. Polynesian-style tattoos are easy to recognize among others, as they have a unique “handwriting”. It is known that they have inherent variable substrates due to differences in tattooing on different islands. And yet, despite their versatility, it is simply impossible not to recognize them.
A little historical background: the word “tattoo” came from the Polynesian language, it was borrowed from the Tahitian dialect (“tatau” - drawing).
The role of tattoo in ancient Polynesia
Polynesian tattoos, photos of which you can see in this article, in ancient times were not decorations. They were perceived as sacred images that could be applied only by priests.
A tattoo was a collection of key characteristics about its wearer. This included the tribe and race of a person, position in society, family ties, the main occupation, personal qualities and fateful acts in his life.
Each element of Polynesian tattoo has a certain meaning and significance. The drawings of the distant past resemble the skillful woodcarving, which was also held in high esteem among the Polynesians. Such drawings usually consisted of unusual and bizarre patterns. Any Polynesian tattoo is characterized by its mood and peculiar expression of the worldview of the people who created it.
It is worth mentioning that such drawings were exclusively a male's privilege - women were not allowed to wear images in this style on themselves. The procedure for applying Polynesian tattoos was extremely painful - instead of a needle, the priests used an animal’s tooth (wild boar or shark), and the paint was prepared from the juice of plants. It is now in tattoo parlors that people can stretch the application process for several weeks with large intervals between sessions, and earlier not to finish or interrupt the tattoo application was considered a terrible shame for the family. The objectionable could easily be expelled from the tribe, so men have always endured this torture.
The meanings of Polynesian tattoos
Now let's talk about what unique patterns and ornaments of Oceania contain. Such a pattern was considered a sign of masculinity and wisdom. Sometimes the Polynesian tattoo ornament included a motto or parting words for a successful hunt and battle.
It turns out that such drawings served as sacred amulets.
Polynesian tattoo: sun
The sun has always been a symbol of life, light and eternity. According to legend, the image of the sun is the very first tattoo that was applied to the human body. This is a charm of life.
Options for sketches of a Polynesian tattoo of this subject include sunrise (a symbol of the awakening of a new life or energy) and sunset (symbol of the rebirth of all things).
Shark in Polynesian drawings
Every shark is a symbol of strength, stamina and perseverance. A wise predatory animal has always been considered a sacred symbol of nature. Shark - the owner’s defender from enemies, predators and other attacks on human life. Even fishermen wore such body jewelry to drive more serious predators from the place of catch.
There are some departures from such a plot, if the shark is depicted, for example, under the sun - this is a sign of power and eternal power. Also, the image of a shark and a dolphin is a symbol of strong friendship.
Tiki Masks
The bizarre, sometimes even evil, physiognomies of Polynesian figures and masks were the prerogative of hunters and warriors. It was believed that such a tattoo can protect against evil spirits and various misfortunes.
A terrifying view may alienate those who wish to join the Polynesian culture. But in fact, its formidable appearance is directed not against its owner, but at all of its ill-wishers.
Polynesian tortoise
The tortoise has always stood for wisdom and calm. The people who applied it to their body were distinguished by a persistent and balanced character, physical strength and fortitude. The differences in the drawing of the pattern are variations in the image of the shell. According to an ancient legend, a turtle promises longevity and protection to its owner.
Turtle and dawn were considered a sign of a thrifty and hardworking person.
Moon in polynesia
Tribes on the islands were well versed in the phases of the moon, they knew how celestial bodies influence weather conditions, had their own names for many stars. In Polynesia, the moon was a symbol of greatness of spirit.
If a person depicts a month on his body, most likely he is inherent in such qualities as commitment to his work, persistence in achieving his goals. A man with a moon and dolphin tattoo was defined as a wise leader whose life path goes hand in hand with success.
The moon is the patron of good luck. Her images are distinguished by an endless sea of diversity.
Lizard
Wearable images in the form of a lizard often look flawless and really beautiful. The bearer of such an ornament was considered a powerful and strong warrior, who was proud of all the tribe. Polynesian tattoos in the form of a lizard (iguana, gecko) primarily symbolized physical development, character stamina, determination and speed.
If the turtle was depicted next to the lizard - this was a sign that their carrier was responsible for his words and always proved them in practice.
Stingray in Polynesian drawings
In Polynesian culture, stingray was considered a powerful amulet. Beautiful and wise, at the same time poisonous, the animal was sung by the islanders as the oldest and main caretaker of the aquatic environment.
A person with a stingray tattoo is characterized as calm, thinking, but able to once manifest his "poison" - to defend his interests stably in case of invasion or attack on his personality.
Koru or Polynesian spiral
This is a traditional symbol of rebirth, the beginning of a new life path and hope. Depicted in underwear in the form of either a deployed or closed spiral. If Koru is a unfolded spiral, it is a symbol of restoration, renewal, life. If the Bark is depicted as a closed spiral, it is considered a symbol of cyclicality, infinity, perfection and constancy.
What do the Polynesian patterns mean?
Tattoos in Polynesia outwardly had a lot of similarities, which were expressed in the intricacies of patterns. The patterns were images of waves, small objects, spirals, sharp angles, ribbons, all kinds of lines that were parallel or vertical in relation to each other.
Thanks to such smallest details, Polynesian tattoos acquired great detail, versatility, which contained a whole ocean of meanings. Such plots really captivate the eye: peering into one image, you can endlessly find more and more variations of the semantic load.
Although the Polynesian tattoos are now devoid of the sacred meaning embedded in them by the distant ancestors of the Tahitians, they look gorgeous to this day. If you approach this wearable decoration correctly, you can create a real work of art!