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The Samoan warrior’s tattoo began at the waist and extended to just below the knee. It was in Tonga and Samoa that the Polynesian tattoo developed into a highly refined art. Tongan warriors were tattooed form the waist to the knees with a series of geometrical patterns, mostly consisting of repeated triangle motifs, bands and also areas of solid black.
Enata (singular)
Also, all Polynesians use a small hammer to beat the ink-filled comb into the skin. The tatau are more of a symbol of pride and beauty in Samoan culture. The word for female tattoo is malu, which also means to be protected. This would be reserved for wealthy families and could take weeks or months depending on how many tattoos the person was going to have done. Another reason Marquesan tattoos are interesting is that getting a tattoo for a Marquesan wasn’t as simple as sitting down for a few hours.
Polynesian Tattoos as Simple Decoration
When he returned to Polynesia, Cook brought with him a native called Ma’i, who introduced the concept of tattooing to English, and eventually, Europe. Getting inked on the thighs is ideal for someone who does not want to flaunt their tattoos all the time. Always choose a design based on your personality and not on an impulse.
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Polynesian Upper Arm Tattoo
These designs were etched onto the skin using sharpened bones or shells, dipped in ink made from burnt kukui nuts or other natural pigments. The process was not only physically painful but also spiritually significant, as it was believed to connect the individual to their ancestors and the spiritual realm. Hawaiian tattooing, also known as kakau, holds a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is deeply intertwined with the Polynesian culture, specifically in Hawaii. The art of tattooing played a significant role in ancient Hawaiian society, serving as a means of cultural expression, personal identification, and spiritual protection.
Polynesian Tattoos: History, Facts, & Designs
A sun with encircling rays is another frequently seen symbol that is included with curving and arching tribal designs. Sea shells made from geometric, symmetrical shapes are often used as well to symbolize one’s ancestor’s centuries of sea life. These tribal tattoos represent some of the most ancient arm decoration traditions in the world.
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Just like with many other Polynesian cultures, tattoos, or tataus, were very important to the Samoan people. Tattoos often marked the beginning of adulthood, and most Samoan men received an intricate tattoo that started at the torso and ended at the knees. The process was very long and painful, and healing often took months. Because sharks are fearless hunters, shark teeth tattoos often represent ferocity, strength, protection, and guidance. The Polynesian tattoo tradition began over 2,000 years ago in the Polynesian, Samoan, and Māori cultures. It was often a rite of passage and was considered a very revered tradition.
But they can bring bad luck and bad omens to those who are disrespectful. Gods or atua and other spirits in Polynesian myths often appeared in form of the lizard. This is the reason Polynesian lizard tattoos are designed in a similar form as the form of humans. In Polynesian culture legs and feet represent progress or moving forward. Feet are the direct link to the Papa and symbolize material things. Polynesian people believe men’s quest in his life is to find that union.
Polynesian Back Tattoo With Turtle Motif
Tattoos were used to depict a person’s social status, genealogy, and personal achievements. They also acted as a form of protection, warding off evil spirits and bringing luck and prosperity to the bearer. The oceans are often considered as something that connects the tangible world with the world of the invisible. In a way, they also represent the flow of life and the death circle. While on one hand, it shows fertility, on the other, it shows death. The ocean represents a second home to the Polynesians and like many cultures, it is a place of rest after they have departed.
Turtle
The Tiki, a humanoid-like figure, is a representation of the creation myth that is common in various forms to many of the islands. Most prominent in Hawaiian and Maori cultures, the Tiki figure is often designed with a disproportionate head, nearly as large as the body, with an expressive face. It is often rendered as a wooden carving to symbolize his prominence in Polynesian art works and worship.
Essentially, the markings tell a life story which makes each tattoo both personal and unique. Tattooing in this way becomes a rite of passage and a marker of family lineage. Traditionally, Polynesian tattoos were done in black ink, but modern tattoo artists have expanded the color palette to offer a wide range of options. Vibrant colors such as red, blue, and green are now commonly used to enhance the beauty and meaning of the designs.
Polynesian tattoos have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. While the traditional techniques and designs are still highly respected and celebrated, modern Polynesian tattoo styles and techniques have evolved over time. For example, the enata, a human figure, symbolized the individual’s lineage and family connections. The honu, or sea turtle, represented longevity and navigation skills. The shark teeth pattern, known as niho mano, conveyed strength and protection. In conclusion, Polynesian tattoos are not just works of art; they are powerful symbols that hold deep meanings.
