Polynesian tattoos
Contents:
The Polynesian tattoo is deeply symbolic and seems a little rough.
In the article we will talk about the meaning and features of the images, as well as provide an original selection of photos with sketches.
The first wearable designs appeared on the Pacific Islands. For the Indians, they were like memoirs: they talked about status in society, exploits, physical and spiritual development. It was believed that the image connected a person with the gods and significantly influenced his fate. The Polynesian tattoo was filled exclusively by the priests for several months. Procedure accompanied by special rituals and songsto support the man. The priest attached a stencil with an image to the body, cut out the elements with a hammer and a sharpened tooth and covered it with dye. The pigment was made from the resin of coniferous trees. The blood was constantly wiped away - not a single drop should fall to the ground. After the procedure, the juice of tropical plants was rubbed into the skin to make it pale, and a contrast of black lines and a white body was obtained. Men were expelled from society if the drawing was not completed.
The nobility had more wearable designs than people of low status. Men most often got Polynesian tattoos on their faces (especially leaders), from the waist to the knees. Large spirals were applied to the buttocks (closed meant infinity and perfection, expanded - renewal and restoration). By the patterns on the chest and wrist, the position of a person in society was determined. The ornament on the forehead meant success in battles, on the cheeks - the profession, on the chin - the origin. The women had fewer drawings, mostly on the lips and chin.
Sketches of Polynesian tattoos were brought to the West by James Cook's assistant at the end of the 18th century. The navigator introduced the word "tattoo" into the English language, which in translation from the dialect of the tribe meant either "beating" or "drawing".
Features of Polynesian tattoos
A tattoo in the Polynesian style looks rough and massive, hidden aggressiveness is visible. A drawing or pattern consists of thin, wide and short lines, zigzags and waves that add up to geometric shapes. There is no play of color palette and shadows, abstraction and blurred outlines. The pictures are symmetrical and crisp, with black pigment, although now you can add a little color or complement the image with bright colors. This tattoo looks gentle and feminine, common among girls.
Each element has a deep meaning and carries a large energy charge that can change the fate of the owner. Lines in the form of fish scales protect him from warning danger and enemies. The bonito or tuna element signifies energy, resourcefulness and craftsmanship, and can be part of a pattern or animal. It is depicted in the form of teeth arranged in two rows so that white rhombuses are obtained in the middle. Shark teeth (several black triangles are connected by one line) - protection in the water, fearlessness, strength, the ability to adapt to any situation. The legend says that while swimming one girl was bitten by a shark. In response, she was not at a loss, but shouted her name. The predator excused herself and swam away. The teeth marks left behind are a mark that the girl is her friend. Since then, shark teeth (niho mano) have been applied to the ankle.
The Polynesian drawing is complex enough that many travel to Tahiti, Easter Island, Samoa or Haiti to be painted by a skilled craftsman. However, after the Spanish conquerors, many sources were destroyed and the meaning of some symbols is unknown. It should also be borne in mind that Polynesian tattoos are divided into several subspecies, each island has its own motives and methods of application. In Hawaii, ornaments, the image of skulls, wreaths and flowers predominate; on the island of Samoa, tattoos are applied in the old fashioned way: not with a needle, but with a pork or shark tooth.
A Polynesian-style tattoo must be carefully selected in meaning, volume and location. Lines and small figures can get lost in the bends of the body, the drawing will turn out to be cropped, therefore, the relief of the muscles and muscles must be taken into account.
Legends and the meaning of symbols
Each image has deep symbolism, imbued with legends and beliefs.
It is believed that the Polynesian style sun tattoo appeared on the body of the Indians very first. It illuminates the path of life, and after death does not allow you to go into darkness. The drawing denotes life and immensity, good luck in endeavors, brings positive and happiness. The rising luminary is a symbol of new life and wisdom, the awakening of energy, and the sunset is the rebirth of all living things.
The Polynesian moon is often used in female depictions. She personifies femininity, spiritual strength and greatness, dedication to the chosen cause. Drawing is often found among businessmen, as it helps to achieve their goals. If he is depicted with a dolphin, he will be interpreted as a wise leader. The moon is always depicted as an abiding month and patronizes hunters. Together with the sun, it gives a chance to make impossible plans possible, supports ambitious and purposeful people.
The Polynesian turtle tattoo is also revered among lovely ladies. She personifies family, fertility and longevity. It helps to find harmony of the spirit with the body, is a talisman of the hearth and protection from misfortunes. Turtle and sunrise denotes hard work. The Polynesian warriors used her carapace as a shield, so the drawing has one more meaning: strength of body and spirit, stamina and poise... According to legend, the tortoise transports souls to the kingdom of the dead, therefore, after death, the Polynesians applied on the body a sign of a person walking next to or sitting on a shell.
The image of a shark means perseverance and power, protection from enemies and troubles. Among the Polynesian people, she was a sacred animal, he worshiped her power and strength. The picture of a fish in the form of a triangle - resistance to troubles, if depicted under the luminary - imperishable strength and power, together with a dolphin - a strong and real friendship.
Body drawing of a lizard - connection with the gods and access to other worlds. According to legend, the gods come to man exclusively in the form of a gecko, therefore the image personifies a supernatural power that passes to the owner. For warriors, tattoo meant physical strength, firmness, endurance and speed. If a lizard was stuffed with a turtle, it means that a person is responsible for his words and deeds.
Warriors and hunters applied the mask of the deity Tiki to protect themselves from evil spirits and death. The image suits temperamental and courageous men. The picture can be supplemented with various elements: shark teeth, tuna, birds, waves, little men.
The Polynesian stingray tattoo designates grace, spiritual beauty, grace and freedom, and is a powerful defense. Often this image includes hooks symbolizing good luck, tiki masks - protection from all evil, hibiscus flower - beauty, cross - harmony and balance, shark teeth. Each drawing can be supplemented with other details. The stingray was revered by the Polynesians, as it was considered one of the most dangerous inhabitants of the oceans, therefore it can mean dexterity and cunning. They make such a Polynesian tattoo on the shoulder or back, it can be on the ankle and foot, it looks good on girls on the lower back.
Polynesian tattoos for men - physical and spiritual strength
The underwear pattern gives masculinity and brutality if applied to the back or forearm, capturing part of the chest. The sleeve looks good at full length or from shoulder to elbow, from elbow to neck.
Often men do this work on the leg to the knee, on the calf, on the side of the lower leg, or from the foot to the thigh. The composition can consist of several patterns or a thin strip of ornament descending along the belly or back.
Women's Polynesian tattoos - mystery and grace
The pictures look too massive for the female body, but you can pick up a beautiful image so that they seem light and delicate, not congested wide lines... Polynesian-style tattoos are applied on the leg, arm and shoulder, but they look more feminine and luxurious on the shoulder blade, back, lower back. Pictures of lizards or stingrays look more elegant when the tail is depicted as a flexible or twisted ring. The composition can be supplemented with flowers or ferns (calmness and peace), butterflies and dragonflies (spiritual transformation), birds (freedom and control over the situation from above).
Polynesian tattoos do not go well with bright and voluminous images of other styles. Do not fill in too small pictures: each picture consists of a large number of different details, they can visually merge into a black and white spot. The beauty and grandeur of the underwear picture will be lost.
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