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Historically there was no writing in Polynesian culture so the Polynesian’s used tattoo art that was full of distinctive signs to express their identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchical society as well as sexual maturity, genealogy and ones rank within the society. In Polynesian Mythology, the human body is linked to the two parents of humanity, Rangi (Heaven) and Papa (Earth). It was man’s quest to reunify these forces and one way was through tattooing. The body’s upper portion is often linked to Rangi, while the lower part is attached to Papa. Males often covered their whole body, but of great significance was the moko, a facial tattoo for those of high social status.
Hawaiian Tattoos for Female
This shows that the art form went beyond simply decorating one’s body but was also a critical religious act tied to cultural traditions. While they are commonly used to symbolize shark teeth, they may also mean shells, roots, or mountains. One of the most common triangular symbols is lō kahi, a significant symbol in the Polynesian culture. It signifies the bond between life and death (light and darkness) in our life journey.
Polynesian Tattoo Art
If you have an inner warrior or you are fighting for something with yourself this tattoo is perfect for you. In Polynesian tattoo designs, a spearhead or arrow is typically triangle-shaped and shaded to look like a sharpened arrow. This long history of tattooing in Polynesia got suspended in the 19th century with the advent of a foreign faith. The bans imposed during the colonization period completely wiped out the tattooing tradition of some of the Polynesian islands like Tonga and Tahiti.
Samoan Tribal Tattoo
Polynesian tattoos have many similarities and differences which allow you to decide which one is right for you. They want the tattoo to give them the strength and ferocity to win in battle. These arrows are often tattooed in a line and sometimes overlap each other. For example, for Samoans, as opposed to the relative ease of men getting tatau, for women, the tatau were typically saved for high-ranking members of society.
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It is better to choose a place that will be visible most of the time to show off your gorgeous Polynesian tattoo. The geographical border of this region is New Zealand, Hawaii, and Easter Island. There live many tribes; the most famous are the Marquesas, Samoans, Niueans, Tongans, Cook Islands, Tahitians, and Maori. All of these tribes are genetically related to indigenous peoples from parts of Southeast Asia.
Although the art of tattooing was retained in the nation if Samoa, it was completely erased in Tonga. The people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs. This method is called Maorigrams and it’s based on two Maori symbols that are shaped in all the letters. If you want to get a tattoo of someone’s name in Polynesian design, you should make sure this person is special. It is the place of rest when they leave for their last voyage. Sometimes the ocean is used to represent death and beyond death.
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Polynesian people used tattoos to express their identity and personality, with various meanings assigned to each design based on the cultural context. Shark teet, or niho mano, are among the most famous symbols in Polynesian culture. Almost over 50% of the Polynesian tattoo designs have shark teeth in them. Polynesian tattoos are growing increasingly popular in the world of body art. While the overall aesthetic and style of these tattoos is incredibly appealing, one must remember that it is deeply sacred for Polynesians themselves.
Most women prefer to get inked on their foot and seldom extend it up to their ankle. The ocean plays a vital role in the life of Polynesian people. They consider it to be their second home, the place where they will rest when they leave for their last voyage.
Enata (pattern)
The entire process could last up to three or even four months. However, it was not unusual for Samoan women to be tattoo too. But the images were limited to things such as a series of delicate flower-like patterns (usually geometrical), on the hands and lower parts of the body. However, Polynesian languages may actually vary slightly from each other, and in some cases they actually differ quite significantly. There are some words, which are basically the same throughout all Polynesian languages, reflecting the deepest core of all Polynesian cultures. Moana (ocean) and mana (spiritual force and energy) are two terms that transcend all Polynesian cultures.
Each of Polynesia’s 10,000 islands is unique; therefore, tattoo styles vary somewhat depending on each island’s culture. They do, however, have similar designs and styles, which are often very intricate. Sea creatures like sharks, turtles, stingrays, and fish are important, meaningful symbols as they can be the totem animals for the owners. Usually, you can see the tremendous detailed patterns in the shape of these animals. The main benefit of this Polynesian tattoo is that you can make it as small as possible.
Polynesian tribal art requires a big canvas, so what better choice than your back? Polynesian back tattoos weave beautiful combinations of intricate designs and motifs that cover the whole upper part of your back. Balancing shades are used to lend them the authentic Polynesian tribal art look. Sometimes, the Tiki organs are used to represent different meanings. Turtle tattoos are popular and play an important role throughout all Polynesian cultures.
