The Pacific Ocean contains a whole group of islands called Polynesia. It includes the following islands: the well-known Hawaii, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Easter Island and others. These islands have always been surrounded by a halo of mystery and myth.
Origins
Since ancient times, Polynesian tattoos have always been the most famous art form in the area. Polynesian-style tattoos are easy to recognize among others, as they have a unique "handwriting". They are known to have variant sub-styles due to differences in tattooing on different islands. And yet, despite their versatility, it is simply impossible not to recognize them.
A little historical note: the word "tatu" comes from the Polynesian language, it was borrowed from the Tahitian dialect ("tatau" - drawing).
The role of tattoos in ancient Polynesia
Polynesian tattoos, photos of which you can see in this article, were not decorations in ancient times. They were perceived as sacred images that could only be applied by priests.
The tattoo was a set of keycharacteristics about your carrier. This included the tribe and clan of the person, position in society, family connection, main occupation, personal qualities and fateful deeds in his life.
Each element of Polynesian tattoos has a certain meaning and significance. The drawings of the distant past are shaped like the skillful wood carvings that were 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 a peculiar expression of the worldview of the people who created it.
It is worth mentioning that such drawings were exclusively the privilege of the male sex - women were not allowed to wear images in this style. The procedure for applying Polynesian tattoos was extremely painful - instead of a needle, the priests used the tooth of an animal (boar or shark), and the paint was prepared from plant sap. It is now in tattoo parlors that people can stretch the application process for several weeks with long intervals between sessions, and before that it was considered a terrible shame for the family not to finish or interrupt the application of a tattoo. The objectionable could easily be expelled from the tribe, so men always endured this torture.
Meanings of Polynesian tattoos
And now let's talk about what the unique patterns and ornaments of Oceania contain. Such a pattern was considered a sign of masculinity and wisdom. Sometimes the ornament of Polynesian tattoos contained a motto or parting words for a successful hunt and battle.
It turns out that such drawingsserved 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 the talisman of life.
Polynesian tattoo designs of this theme include sunrise (a symbol of the awakening of new life or energy) and sunset (a symbol of the rebirth of all things).
Shark in Polynesian drawings
Every shark is a symbol of strength, stamina and perseverance. The wise predatory animal has always been ranked among the sacred symbols of nature. The shark is the protector of the owner from enemies, predators and other encroachers on human life. Even fishermen wore such body jewelry to ward off more serious predators from the catch.
There are some deviations from such a plot, if a shark is depicted, for example, under the sun - this is a sign of power and eternal strength. Also, the image of a shark and a dolphin is a symbol of strong friendship.
Tiki Masks
The bizarre, sometimes even evil faces of Polynesian figurines and masks were the prerogative of hunters and warriors. There was an opinion that such a tattoo could protect from evil spirits and various misfortunes.
The intimidating sight can repel those wishing to join the Polynesian culture. But in fact, its formidable appearance is not directed against its owner, but at all his ill-wishers.
Polynesian tortoise
Turtle has always meant wisdom and tranquility. People who applied it to their bodies were distinguished by their stable and balanced character, physical strength and fortitude. Differences in the application of the pattern are variations in the image of the shell. According to an ancient legend, the turtle promises longevity and protection to its owner.
The turtle and the dawn were considered a sign of a thrifty and hardworking person.
Moon in Polynesia
The tribes on the islands were well versed in the phases of the moon, they knew how celestial bodies affect weather conditions, they had their own names for many stars. In Polynesia, the moon was a symbol of the greatness of the spirit.
If a person depicts a month on his body, most likely, he has such qualities as commitment to his work, perseverance in achieving his goals. A person 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 characterized by an endless sea of diversity.
Lizard
Lizard wearable images often look flawless and really beautiful. The wearer of such an ornament was considered a powerful and strong warrior, who was proud of the whole tribe. Polynesian tattoos in the form of a lizard (iguana, gecko) symbolized, first of all, physical development, fortitude, determination and speed.
If a turtle was depicted next to a lizard, it was a sign that their carrier was responsible for his words and always proved them in practice.
Scat in Polynesiandrawings
In Polynesian culture, the stingray was considered the most powerful amulet. Beautiful and wise, at the same time poisonous, the animal was sung by the islanders as the oldest and chief caretaker of the aquatic environment.
A man with a stingray tattoo is characterized as calm, thinking, but able one day to show his "poison" - staunchly defend his interests in the event of an invasion or attack on his personality.
Koroo or Polynesian spiral
This is a traditional symbol of rebirth, the beginning of a new life path and hope. It is depicted in underwear drawings in the form of either an expanded or a closed spiral. If the Koru is an unfolded spiral, it is a symbol of restoration, renewal, life. If Koru is depicted as a closed spiral, it is considered a symbol of cyclicity, infinity, improvement and constancy.
What do 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 corners, ribbons, all kinds of lines that were parallel or vertical to each other.
Thanks to such minute details, Polynesian tattoos acquired great detail, versatility, which contained a whole ocean of meanings. Such plots really fascinate the eye: peering into one image, you can endlessly find more and more new variations of the semantic load.
Although Polynesian tattoos are now devoid of the sacred meaning invested in them by the distant ancestors of the Tahitians, they still look great to this day. If approached correctly, such body jewelry can create a real work of art!
