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From the turtle representing longevity and protection to the waves symbolizing resilience and adaptability, each design tells a unique story. Understanding the symbolism and meanings behind Polynesian tattoos can help us appreciate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Polynesian people. Polynesian tattoo traditions have a rich history and are deeply rooted in the culture and beliefs of the Polynesian people. These tattoos are not just decorative; they hold significant meanings and symbolize various aspects of life. Understanding the symbolism and meanings behind Polynesian tattoos can provide a deeper appreciation for this ancient art form.
Polynesian Sea Creatures
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For the Tongan people, the tattoo carried profound social and cultural significance, as mentioned previously. The easiest solution, in most cases, is to place the stingray on the chest or the back. These areas are relatively large and give tattoo artists a lot of space to work with. But if you are looking for a smaller or medium size stingray Polynesian tattoo, the arm is also a great space. Stingray Polynesian tattoo comes in different forms and designs. Stingray is an animal that hides its world power through wisdom and humility.
Multiple Polynesian Symbols Tattoo
You can get the tribal Polynesian tattoo on your arms, chest, shoulders, legs, and even head. As we know, there was a tradition to put tattoos on the whole body to have more protection and show respect to Gods. A large amount of tattoos means your high social status and achievements during life. For Polynesians, there is no more significant symbol of hospitality than a flower garland around the neck. Also, you can make the flower with colored ink or make patterns in the shape of Tiari.
Polynesian Back Tattoo With Turtle Motif
This component of the body straightforwardly relates it to life’s spirit, resolution, reproduction, self-confidence, and passion. Particularly, the thighs are linked to power and compatibility. This area is where the mana arises while the navel represents autonomy due to its association with the umbilic cord which is cut during childbirth. Stingray, normally, as a great talent for hiding from its enemy which is mainly sharks.
Polynesian Arm Tattoo Designs for Men
It can either be represented on its own, as a couple or a pattern. There are many different, slightly modified versions of enata you can commonly find in Polynesian tattoos. Polynesian tattoos have become popular in recent years, and it’s not hard to understand why. They make their wearer look like a warrior, but they also carry deep symbolism of nature. The connection between humans and their environment is an important element in Polynesian tattoos.
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The wearer has chosen to cover his whole arm including the hands in a creative Polynesian tattoo pattern. A stingray, as we mentioned before, stands for agility and swift movement. It is also symbolic of protection and serves as a guardian for the whole tribe. The side of the stomach, on the ribs, is quite a sensuous place to get tattooed. Tiki figures can be represented in a frontal view, seldom with their tongue strained out as a token of resistance to opponents. This design is the eyes of the tiki, the most important feature of the tiki face.
Polynesian Triangle Tattoo Meaning
Oceans are symbolized by an arc, or an incomplete circle that is moving outwards. A line is usually added to the circle, which stands for the waves that its natives will see often when they’re out at sea. Expression, whether visual, written, or verbal, allow us to distinguish ourselves from others and help us reflect upon our own beliefs. The people of Polynesia didn’t know how to write and, hence, used tattoos to narrate their stories. All admire Dwayne Johnson’s impressive and intricate sleeve tattoo. A combination of symbols along with the Enata can be used to represent relationships, such as marriage, family, relatives, and friends.
Throughout the healing process, it’s normal for your tattoo to go through various stages of appearance and texture. Don’t panic if it looks different from when it was freshly done. Just remember to follow the aftercare instructions, be patient, and trust the healing process. For those seeking a unique one on one tattoo experience at the source , French Polynesia, I will be honored to welcome you to MANA'O, my own private studio on the island. The middle of the design contains an element that looks quite a rising sun.
To simplify, the Polynesian tattoo is just a general term used for tattooing traditions throughout the Pacific islands. The five main Polynesian traditions in tattooing that are still present are Samoan, Marquesan, Tahitian, Maori, and Hawaiian. Of course, these tattoos are most suitable for persons who respect Polynesian cultures. In Polynesia, the word tiki represents an image, a human figure with big eyes, nose, ears, and of course mouth.
The process of getting a Maori tattoo is different from that of their fellow Polynesian neighbors. For example, the Matai is the head of the family and instructs all of his family members on social and familial issues. Everyone in their culture had their duty to society and they worked together to make it a peaceful one. The Marquesan people celebrate an egalitarian society, unlike many of their Polynesian neighbors.
Since the ocean is a source of food for Polynesian people, it also represents life, fertility, and persistence. The stylization of the waves can be representative of life, change, or continuity through change. This was mainly seen in their Polynesian tattoos that showed the importance of concepts like Mana (power and prestige from a god or tribal leader). Names and branding through their tattoos were essential to their society and way of life. Tonga has some of the oldest evidence of Polynesian tattoos based on the fact it was settled first by the Austronesians before the other Polynesian islands.
The lower trunk area is related to themes like courage, sexuality, and independence. Just as they had many functions, seashell tattoos also represent many different things. Historically, theses type of tattoos helped identify chiefs and priests and were often located on the back of one’s knees.
In Tongan culture, these tattoos often held plenty of meanings regarding their own culture. There are over two million people in the Pacific that make up Polynesia. Their ancestors came from South-East Asia around 3,000 years ago on an incredible voyage to settle distant islands around Oceania. The result of their epic journey today is a very widespread Polynesian culture that encompasses many different sub-cultural groups. These include Marquesans, Samonas, Niueans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, Hawaiians, Tahitians, and Maori.
