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Each element in a Polynesian tattoo carries meaning; for example, turtles symbolize longevity, and sharks represent protection. These polynesian tattoos with meaning are decorative and a visual language that communicates one's identity, heritage, and spirituality. Today, Polynesian tattoos are admired worldwide for their beauty and cultural heritage. A Polynesian shoulder tattoo is a striking and culturally significant choice. These tattoos often feature intricate designs deeply rooted in Polynesian heritage. Positioned on the shoulder, they can symbolize strength, courage, and protection.
Tattoo Design: Common Polynesian Tattoos
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.
Infographic: Symbolic Elements In Polynesian Tattoos
This is quite simple in designs as they incorporate triangles that are not even interconnected as shown above. The most common symbol for dignity and guidance throughout the world is the sun. Around 200AD voyageurs from Samoa and Tonga settled in the area of Marquesas.
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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.
These tattoos were believed to ward off evil spirits and provide the wearer with strength and courage. There are several intricate designs mentioned above to help you choose the one that represents your personality and emotions. There are turtle designs, Enata tattoos, demi-gods, sun tattoos, ocean tattoos, tribal tattoos, etc., to choose from the list. Each tattoo represents fertility, experience, birth, Polynesian heritage, protection, guardianship, courage, and power. The stingray is one of the most popular designs in Polynesian culture.
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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. Many symbols are essential in Polynesian tattoos, but the shark tooth is the most meaningful. It is an equilateral triangle that means protection, strength, and guidance.
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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.
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Also, you can make the flower with colored ink or make patterns in the shape of Tiari. Just turn on your imagination and find a tattoo artist who will make any custom design. Although drawings on the skin were prevalent in many ancient cultures, the concept and culture of tattooing came from Polynesian countries.
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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.
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. Getting inked on the thighs is ideal for someone who does not want to flaunt their tattoos all the time.
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This symbol depicts the relationships between humans and also the ones they share with the gods. This symbol originates from the Marquesas language and symbolizes life experiences, birth, and rank in society. Not to mention, they are all considered tribal tattoos in style and use tribal shapes to create imagery that is simple yet effective. Hawaiian tribal tattoos can be one of the most painful Polynesian tattoos as far as in ancient times. It can either be represented on its own, as a couple or a pattern.
Tattoos on the arms and legs are often seen as a symbol of strength and power. The ocean, with its vastness and unpredictability, holds great significance in Polynesian culture. Waves are a common motif in Polynesian tattoos and represent the ebb and flow of life.