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The designs comprise of spirals and each design is modified as the bearer passes through a new stage in life. In Samoa, tattoos were meant to signify the social status of the bearer. The tattoos were large and intricate, narrating everything about a person, from his age to his social standing, rank and place in life. Polynesian tattoos are a distinctive form of tribal tattoo art, originating from the Polynesia subregion of Oceania.
The Symbolism of Images in Polynesian Tattoos
Bella aims to inform and inspire fellow tattoo lovers through the site's wealth of resources. She also promotes tattoo acceptance in a culture that often misunderstands the art form. In most cases, persons with Polynesian heritage opt for this kind of tattooing in order to preserve their tradition and be closer to their ancestors. Stingray tattoo is a symbol of security, adaptation, peacefulness, speed, and stealth. For many people, this is a top choice for tattoos primarily because stingrays are quiet, have a mild temper, and yet so powerful. In Polynesia, the word tiki represents an image, a human figure with big eyes, nose, ears, and of course mouth.
What Polynesian tattoos are sacred?
Demigods are gods, but they appear to the men in the shape of other creatures like lizards and other animals. The tiki or the semi-gods, also are symbolic of deified patriarchs, ministers, and elders who became tiki after being deceased. They stand for the protection of their successors, productivity and they serve as guides. Over the years, the symbol has changed various times and has reached to a more simplistic version of itself.
Small Minimalistic Polynesian Tattoos
There is no harm in getting a tattoo inspired by their cultures, but the least we can do is learn about and embrace them with the utmost respect. Check out the infographic below that lists some of the symbolic elements used in Polynesian tattoos. The word hono, which means ‘turtle’ in the Marquesan language, has several meanings attached to it. It also represents the idea of unity and stitching together families.
This allows for a greater level of detail and realism in the tattoos, bringing the designs to life in a whole new way. Preserving Polynesian tattoo traditions is not just about keeping an ancient art form alive; it is also about reclaiming and celebrating Polynesian identity. For many Polynesians, getting a traditional tattoo is a way to reconnect with their roots, to honor their ancestors, and to assert their cultural pride.
Humans are said to be descendants or children of Rangi (Heaven) and Papa (Earth), which were said to once be united. Man’s quest in Polynesian legend is to find that union again, so the body is seen as a link between Rangi and Papa. The upper part of the body is related to the spiritual world and heaven, whilst the lower part of the body is related to the world and to earth. In Samoa, the tradition of applying the tattoo by hand has been unbroken for over 2000 years. The skill is often passed from father to son, each artist learning the art after many years of serving as an apprentice. The advent of Christianity in Tonga witnessed the loss of several indigenous practices such as the practice of tattooing.
Ocean Motifs like Turtles, Sharks, and Waves
Polynesian tattoos are a testament to the rich cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands and continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for many. Traditional Polynesian tattoo designs are characterized by their bold, geometric patterns and intricate details. These designs are often symmetrical and feature elements such as waves, sharks, turtles, and other marine creatures that hold deep significance in Polynesian culture. Each design is carefully crafted to represent specific meanings and values, making them highly personalized and deeply meaningful to the wearer. Polynesian islands are indeed well-known for their beautiful and meaningful tattoo designs.
Driven by a lifelong fascination with body art, Bella overcame social stigma to become a tattoo artist. She opened her own private studio in Hangzhou a few years later. This is especially represented in the Maori tradition where every finger has its own meaning. Generally, they are used to represent fertility and protection.
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Waves symbolize the ocean, which holds great importance in Polynesian life. They can represent a connection to the sea, a sense of exploration, and the idea of constant change and movement. They follow a band of lines, for example, flowing around someone’s wrist or limb and accented with black lines and typically surrounded by even more tribal tattoos. To the Samoan people, tattoos are an intricate part of life, performed with excruciating pain that leads to accepting that person as a mature individual.
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. As a matter of fact, turtles being a water animal, are believed to join them in their journey towards heaven and beyond. Since the ocean feeds the beings and creatures, it has a lot of impact on various myths and cultures.
However, to shy away from tattooing was to risk being labeled a coward or a pala’ai and to then be hated and insulted by the rest of the tribe or clan. The men who could not endure the pain and abandoned their tattooing were left incomplete, wearing their mark of shame throughout their life. Priests who had undergone a long period of training who followed strictly prescribed rituals and taboos that took place during the tattooing process.
These designs often consist of bold lines, intricate patterns, and repetitive motifs. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal of the tattoos but also carry deep cultural significance. Each pattern and shape can represent various aspects of Polynesian culture, such as family, strength, and spirituality. In Polynesian culture, the tattoo artist, known as a “tufuga ta tatau,” is highly respected and considered a master of his craft. The tattooing process is seen as a rite of passage, a way for individuals to connect with their ancestors and their cultural heritage. Polynesian tattoo traditions have a rich history and are deeply rooted in the culture and beliefs of the Polynesian people.
If the design is placed upside down, it sometimes represents enemies that have been defeated. Because sharks are fearless hunters, shark teeth tattoos often represent ferocity, strength, protection, and guidance. Where the tattoo was placed held special meaning- It was believed that upper body tattoos had a connection with the spiritual realm.
