Table Of Content

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.

Traditional Techniques and Tools Used in Polynesian Tattooing
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.
Symbolism and Meanings Behind Polynesian Tattoo Traditions
For the Tongan people, the tattoo carried profound social and cultural significance, as mentioned previously. 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.
Polynesian Tattoos as Simple Decoration
Polynesians believed that lizards were able to communicate to the gods, linking them to the spirit world. Sometimes they were required to abstain from sex and weren’t allowed to eat solid foods. Polynesian tattooing took a hit in the 1800s when Christian missionaries moved into the area.
Where Is The Cast Of Hawaii Five-O Now In 2023?
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.
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.
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.
Often arrows or spearheads are placed in a manner to overlap each other. In Polynesian tradition, spearhead symbolizes courage and combativeness, fighting energy and spirit. You can find a spearhead in almost every Polynesian tattoo design.
12 Tongue Tattoo Designs You Can Try In 2023 - Styles At Life
12 Tongue Tattoo Designs You Can Try In 2023.
Posted: Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:40:37 GMT [source]
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.
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.
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.