Polynesian tattoos, which appeared on the Pacific islands, did not initially serve as body decoration. The Indians used body paintings to indicate their status in the environment, talk about their exploits and spiritual state. Tattoos meant a lot to people: some of the designs were able to attract the gods themselves to their side. It was impossible to eliminate one detail from the overall picture; they all hid a deep meaning behind them. The more a person’s body was decorated, the more successful and influential he was considered.

A Polynesian style tattoo differs from others in its unusual energy, which can attract the gaze of any person. The drawings are powerful, strong, sometimes even frightening. This is not surprising, because many of them show aggressiveness.

This style comes in black, but there is also a women's version. Modern people pigment their skin more for beauty and aesthetics, less often for semantic reasons. Therefore, girls are allowed to dilute the roughness of the sketches with bright colors before getting a Polynesian tattoo on the shoulder.

By the way, Polynesian women were also tattooed, but mostly on the lips and chin.

Men are more accustomed to getting a Polynesian tattoo on their sleeve. This trend requires space, only then will it look decent on the body.

The art of drawings on the body originated on the Pacific islands - in this way the Polynesians told others about themselves, protected them from adversity and emphasized their special status. Read on to find out everything about tattoos in this style.

History of style

Start

Polynesia is a subregion of thousands of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It forms a triangle, the vertices of which are New Zealand, Easter Island and the Hawaiian Islands. Now it is difficult to determine when the first people appeared there - scientists are inclined to the middle of the first millennium BC, but cannot name the exact year or century. But Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to reach Polynesia - in 1521 he arrived on one of the islands, which he named San Pablo. Since then, the world has gradually become acquainted with the original Polynesian culture, and especially with the culture of tattooing - this is where this art originated.

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The Polynesian style is divided into several substyles based on the names of the islands: Hawaiian tattoos, Maori, Samoa, Tahiti, Tiki - and each of them has recognizable black patterns.

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For Polynesians, body drawings are a business card and a kind of passport: they tell about their status in the tribe, about their exploits, and about spiritual development. Ornaments on the forehead show success in battles, patterns on the chin indicate origin, on the cheeks indicate profession, and on the chest and wrists indicate position in society. Large unfolded spirals on the buttocks speak of restoration and a kind of renewal, closed ones symbolize infinity and perfection.

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Creating a painting on the body is a sacred rite that is performed only by a priest: using a hammer and a sharpened tooth/needle/stone, he knocks out patterns into which he sprinkles dye. The blood is wiped off so that drops do not fall on the ground.

Now

The Polynesian style tattoo is massive, clear and symmetrical. Geometric spirals, waves, circles, triangles are filled with black pigment, thin and wide lines, without playing with color and shadow.

The drawings use marine animals - stingrays, turtles, sharks - and images of the sun, moon, and traditional Tiki mask. The meanings of all symbols are different, it’s easy to make a mistake, so it’s better to talk to a specialist before choosing a tattoo.

Interesting: people with tattoos in this style

The famous American actor and wrestler Dwayne Johnson, nicknamed “The Rock,” made his debut in the ring in 1996, and appeared in films for the first time in 2001. Charismatic and in good shape, he quickly gained popularity in both areas, and was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the highest fee for the first leading role.

According to Dwayne himself, every stroke in his Polynesian tattoo has a certain meaning: important events in his life, memories, good luck charms. Well, this tattoo definitely suits him!

Polynesia is the name given to the group of Oceania islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean, within the triangle that contains New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island. The people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are called Polynesians, and they have many things in common, including language, culture and beliefs.

Polynesian languages are virtually the same and vary depending on the distance between the islands. There are some words that are the main source and reflection of the deepest core of all Polynesian cultures - Ocean (moana) and Spiritual power (mana) - The ocean guarantees life. These two words most accurately and vividly show the relationship between Polynesian culture and the Ocean.

Most of us know Jules Verne as a novelist and great writer of the 19th century. Along with novels, he also wrote popular science books about the world's most important discoveries in geography and other scientific works.

“The History of Great Travels” (in three volumes - read it - very interesting) was written on the basis of a careful and painstaking study of documents, notes from travelers, and diaries of expedition participants. This is how Jules Verne describes the Maori people we are interested in: “According to ancient legends, the Maori came approximately 1.5 thousand years ago from the Hawaiian Islands. This beautiful Polynesian tribe inhabited all the islands scattered in the vast region of the Pacific Ocean. The Maori drove away or almost completely exterminated the primitive population. They had a custom of tattooing; some tattoos showed both amazing skill and taste, which was difficult to expect among primitive people. The islanders were distinguished by their good physique, they had beautiful faces, their skin was yellowish or dark red, seeming almost black from the tattoos that covered their entire body.”

In the past, being tattooed required courage, endurance and perseverance, especially for those who were performing such a ritual for the first time. To do this, the Master marked a pattern on the skin and introduced pigment there using a pick, hitting it with a hammer stick. Sometimes tattoos were applied without prior marking. But, since any mistakes here are irreparable, the design was sometimes outlined in advance with charcoal or even using a special stamp.

Hence the word "Tatau" means "beating" in the Maori language. By the way, Captain James Cook, the first European, heard and wrote down this word in 1769.

This procedure could take several days and after its completion, a holiday was held in honor of the one who withstood all these tests and challenged himself through pain. By making irreversible changes to their appearance, including getting tattoos, people believed that they were changing themselves. As noted by the author of the book “Tattoo as a Historical Source” - anthropologist, archaeologist, Doctor of Historical Sciences M.B. Mednikova, that “ Human body it had to be “finished” so that it corresponded to its new social state. After all, in order to become a genuine person, you also need to be like the mythical model.”

Maria Borisovna gave me permission to quote her book (“Languages of Slavic Culture”, 2007), which perfectly tells the history of tattoos in general among many peoples of the world. The anthropologist's interest in this topic reveals to us semantic meaning tattoos, which justifies and proves the desire of Homo sapiens to apply indelible marks to himself.

In the book by M.B. Mednikova has a legend that tells about the hero of the New Zealand aborigines Mataora in the afterlife and about his acquisition of a tattoo - a gift from the gods to man and at the same time a gift from man to the gods.

Nowadays, modern tattoo machines work much faster and cause only temporary, tolerable pain and burning. New technologies have allowed everyone to get closer to the art of tattooing, as now people can be tattooed painlessly and can consider a tattoo as an adornment of their own body.

Tattooing, which in its primitive form was very crude, later became one of the most refined arts.

Maori tattoos are good because they tell the story of their bearers, they look like business card, which anyone can read. A tattoo reminds us of something important, exalts our qualities and strengthens our spirit.

The traditional Maori tattoo style is a whole series of coded elements used to tell the story of the life of the person who has the unique tattoo with icons and lines.

As accurately described in “Russian Paleography” by V.N. Shchepkina, “ornament is a rhythmic visual art within a plane. Every ornament consists of repetitions and has a certain frame, expressed or unexpressed. The frame can have various forms, ranging from the simplest to the most complex. Rhythmic units, or repeating artistic elements, are called motifs in ornamentation. The motif acts on us as an artistic unit, i.e. gives the impression of aesthetic unity. The combination of motifs occurs in the ornament completely independently of nature, based on the instincts of symmetry and rhythm.”

Most of the motifs are either borrowed from nature, such as the crescent moon, shark tooth, bird's foot, herringbone and others, or they are not contained in nature, but in Euclidean geometry (point, triangle, angle, etc.), hence the distinction between natural and geometric ornament styles.

Maori ornamentation consists mainly of such motifs as spirals, waves, ribbons and meanders (an ornament composed of right angles folded into a continuous line), creating a compositional whole. The main symbols of Polynesia are present in almost all ornaments:

- continuity through change, life;

- a symbol of eternity and life;

- femininity, abundance;

- strength, power, stamina and perseverance;

- symbol of family and protection;

On the lower parts of the body, especially on the buttocks, men had motifs of large spirals, called “rape”, and an additional “pukhropo” pattern on the hips. Sometimes men also tattooed their chests and wrists, which helped determine their position in the social hierarchy. It happened that representatives of both sexes had a strong tattoo located on different parts of the body, including intimate places, the face, and also on the tongue.

Today, many contemporary artists have appeared on the Internet who take it upon themselves to interpret Maori symbols on their own. These are some of the meanings that the author of The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook puts into tattoo designs.

Polynesian Tattoo Guide:

adaptability, strength, power, water protection

health, longevity, family, navigator

Whale: family, protection

Dolphin: harmony, friendship, protection

wisdom, elegance, freedom

Lion: courage, perseverance

freedom, good news, protection

Butterfly: soul, transformation

friends and family who provide support

Dragonfly: magic, transformation

Phoenix: immortality, eternity, reconstruction

new beginning, peace and tranquility

Wolf: loyalty

Cat: change, adaptability

Fire: change

continuity through change, life

unity, origin

eternity, life, joy, inexhaustible positive energy

femininity, abundance

excellence, overcoming all adversities

warrior, fighter

protection from external troubles and adversities

Scorpion: bravery

strong connection, eternal love

adaptability

Canoe: adventure

Acne: distress situations

affection, love, shelter, shelter

Seagulls: alertness, the ability to see what is happening from above

Cord: ancestors

Cross: balance, symbol of harmony

good luck in everything

beauty

blessing, peace

courage, masculinity

connections represent past, present and future

stability

Here I would like to remind you that fauna The islands were very sparse, and the only four-legged animals to be found were rats and dogs, and the latter were readily eaten by the natives. But the plant and aquatic world, on the contrary, were very diverse.

Therefore, I consider the presence of wolves, lions, and especially phoenixes in the ornaments to be incorrect for a Polynesian tattoo.

And this is the tattoo of Duanne Scala Jones, famous throughout the Internet, with the meaning that he put into the symbols and elements.

A) Coconut leaves, or niu, which denote the Samoan chief warrior.

B) This -/a is the sun, which brings good luck.

C) This is isa/ga fa"atasi (three people in one), This is me with open arms, then continues on my chest and connects with my o lo"u to"a/ua (my wife, Dani) and my o lo "u afafine (my daughter, Simone Alexandra).

D) The descending whirlpools represent the past, present and future. The future is getting bigger. The fragment continues under my hand, where its meaning is written.

E) Two eyes, called o mata e lua, represent my ancestors watching my path.

F) Big Eye. It is an intimidating symbol that allows its user to possess the spirit of their enemy. The eye is used to distract the enemy during a confrontation.

G) Damaged face marked with shark teeth - symbol of strength. This is my spiritual patron and a symbol of my struggle.

H) This is the priest and spiritual mentor who trains the warrior to enlightenment and supernatural power under the eyes of the warrior's ancestors.

I) These are stones of achievement and abundance. They are the foundation of my life and the symbols of my dedication, They give the right to stand and speak with honor as a Tula Fale. And they support mana, or supernatural power.

J) Turtle shell to ward off evil spirits. Warriors used shells as shields."

You can, of course, get confused and follow this path, composing your tattoo from symbols close to your heart. But let’s not forget that European symbolism is much more interesting and complex than the symbolism of primitive islanders, caressed by the sea and the sun.

I am a supporter of an adequate attitude to such conventions. You can, of course, stick to the imposed image, but a tattoo in the modern sense should look more aesthetically pleasing than a jumble of different, sometimes unrelated symbols. The only advice I can give you is to listen to yourself, choose elements and compose your tattoo. And then... show it to everyone! Sergey Grek.

And also, I’ll give here as an example a letter from a beautiful girl, Natalya, who ordered a tattoo from me based on Polynesian motifs:

"Sergey, hello! I called you today (or rather, yesterday) about the possibility of you giving me a tattoo with island Polynesian symbols. Attached is a draft sketch that I drew so that you have an understanding of how I imagine it. He is not distinguished by great artistry and clear lines, but I told you on the phone that by occupation I am not an artist at all, and certainly not a tattoo artist (although, I must admit, I tried very hard and was proud of the result))) ).
How did the idea of turning to Polynesia come about: I had an idea of what meaning I wanted to put into the image on my body + I wanted this image to be connected with the sea, sea animals, etc., because I have been diving quite a lot lately for several years, I intend to continue to develop in this area and do not exclude the possibility of making this my additional, and later possibly my main job. Next, I turned to the Internet, where, after a fair amount of digging, I came across the theme of Polynesian tattoos, in which I found exactly what I needed, and besides, they look very original and beautiful. I won’t say that I found a lot of information on the topic of Polynesian tattoos and its history (especially on the Russian-language network, more on foreign sites), but I got a general idea. Then I downloaded the book “Polinesian tattoo handbook” by Roberto Gemory - something like *Polynesian tattoo for dummies*))), and drew with it. Of course, I understand that this is very far from a real Polynesian and Maori tattoo, but rather “based on motifs” collected from numerous island tribes of Oceania.. But I don’t pretend to be a Maori warrior)) After all, a tattoo should bring aesthetic pleasure to its owner and carry semantic meaning for him in the first place. It seems so to me, at least. The main thing for me is not to screw up too much with the symbolism, but in this I really count on your help. So, having studied the meaning of the symbols and choosing from them those that met my request, I took up a pencil and tried to put them together. What happened is what happened. I hope, with your help, we will bring this idea to fruition. According to the sketch of my tattoo, or what I meant: The main idea is to write a manta (symbol of freedom, independence, beauty and, if we talk about the sea, water protection) into the circle of the sun (life, absolute, inexhaustible positive energy), which will be formed in merging with the moon, or rather the crescent (symbolizing femininity, the feminine principle, feminine energy etc.). To some extent, I associate myself with this manta. And the merging of the sun and the moon is a kind of Yin-Yang and the possibility of the impossible in my life. I tried to include a turtle in the center of the manta (a symbol of the family that is in an inextricable connection with me, health and longevity, a navigator through life). In the center of the figures of both the manta ray and the marquis turtle is a cross (a symbol of harmony). The turtle's head is a symbolic image of the hammerhead shark (determination, resilience, perseverance). Her right front flipper is a fishhook (luck), her left front is a sea shell (meaning love, shelter, shelter), her hind legs are mountains (stability). There are shark teeth around the turtle (as a symbol of family protection from all external troubles and adversities, and also as a symbol of the ability to adapt to change). The horseshoe icon above the manta's tail is a symbol of a woman. Below, at the base of the tail, is the symbol of the palm tree (peace and tranquility). Along the right wing of the manta there is an enata ornament (friends and loved ones, who are always with me and provide support). Then the double helix, twist (union, eternal love). On the left wing of the manta there is an ornament of islands (travel, discovery). Then - a triple twist (meeting other cultures, adapting to the new). In the manta's head are the signs of Koru (new beginning), flanked on either side by frigate birds (discoveries). Crescent (everything about women here) from bottom to top: fish 4 pcs. (as a symbol life, prosperity and joy), Koru (new beginning), sea shell (intimate side of life and love), jasmine flower (beauty), hibiscus flower (femininity and passion), 2 birds following each other (freedom, the ability to see what is happening from above, help from a loved one / partner / mazh in difficult life situations), waves to the right of the birds (changes for the better), again a sea shell, a fishing hook (luck in everything). Sun rays ornament - sky and air. Something like this... :-) By tattoo location: I want it to be on the back, in the center. It started right under the shoulder blades (or even between them) and went down. But this, of course, is discussed with you in accordance with how it will look along the muscles, it will fall on my not very wide back or for other nuances that I don’t know about. By tattoo size: I am sending you a scanned copy of the A4 sheet on which the sketch was made. I would like it to real tattoo did not exceed the drawn size. Or, if it did, it wasn’t much (because, as I already mentioned, my back is quite narrow, and I’m not yet ready to stuff it from the neck to the lower back). But again, this needs to be discussed with you. I understand little about the art of applying drawings to the body, I don’t know how close the lines can fit to each other and how thin they can be, how much the paint of the contours floats over time (if it floats) and, of course, I don’t want that in a year or two my tattoo turned into one solid black blot... More wishes: I want it to look as light and “openwork” as possible, i.e. not overloaded with heavy thick lines. I saw many photographs of men's Polynesian tattoos, which were very massive, aggressive, with a predominance of black, spanning the entire limb or torso. I'd like to avoid this. I hope I was able to more or less clearly explain to you what kind of tattoo I want to get. I already told you on the phone that this would be my first. Therefore, don’t get me wrong (even if it’s funny to you, although you’re probably already used to it..))))), I treat everything connected with it very carefully and seriously. In addition, the decision to apply it for me is associated with serious changes that have partly already begun in my life, and, to a greater extent, which are about to happen in the near future. So I really count on your understanding!)) For my part, I promise to try to bother you as little as possible.)))))))))

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, and also provide an original selection of photos with sketches.

The first body designs appeared on the Pacific islands. For the Indians, they were like memoirs: they talked about their 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 tattooed exclusively by priests over several months. Procedure accompanied by special rituals and songs to support the man. The priest attached a stencil with an image to the body, used a hammer and a sharpened tooth to cut out the elements and covered them 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, creating a contrast of black lines and a white body. Men were expelled from society if the drawing was not completed.

The nobility had more body designs than people of low status. Men most often stuffed Polynesian tattoos on the face (especially the leaders), in the area from the waist to the knees. Large spirals were applied to the buttocks (closed meant infinity and perfection, unfolded meant renewal and restoration). The patterns on the chest and wrist determined a person’s position in society. An ornament on the forehead meant success in battle, on the cheeks - profession, on the chin - origin. Women had fewer designs; they were mostly applied to the lips and chin.

Sketches of Polynesian tattoos were brought to the West by an assistant of James Cook at the end of the 18th century. The navigator introduced English language the word “tattoo”, which translated from the tribal dialect 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 form geometric shapes. Game is missing color palette and shadows, abstraction and blurred contours. The pictures are symmetrical and clear, made with black pigment, although now you can add a little color or complement the image with bright colors. This tattoo looks gentle and feminine and is common among girls.

Each element has a deep meaning and carries a great 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 skill, and can be part of a pattern or animal. It is depicted in the form of teeth arranged in two rows so that white diamonds appear in the middle. Shark teeth (several black triangles connected by one line) - protection in the water, fearlessness, strength, the ability to adapt in any situation. The legend says that while swimming, one girl was bitten by a shark. In response, she was not confused, but shouted her name. The predator apologized and swam away. The marks left by the teeth are a mark that the girl is her friend. Since then, shark teeth (niho mano) have been applied to the ankle.

The Polynesian design is quite complex, so many people go to Tahiti, Easter Island, Samoa or Haiti to have it applied by a qualified artist. However, after the Spanish conquerors, many sources were destroyed and the meaning of some symbols is unknown. You also need to take into account that Polynesian tattoos are divided into several subtypes; each island has its own motives and methods of application. In Hawaii, ornaments, images of skulls, wreaths and flowers predominate; on the island of Samoa, tattoos are applied the old-fashioned way: not with a needle, but with a pig’s or shark’s tooth.

A tattoo in the Polynesian style must be carefully selected in terms of meaning, volume and location. Lines and small figurines may get lost in the curves of the body, the pattern will be cropped, so it is necessary to take into account the relief of the muscles and muscles.

Legends and 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 first. It illuminates the path of life, and after death it does not allow one to go into darkness. The drawing signifies life and immensity, good luck in your endeavors, and brings positivity 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 images of women. 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 the abiding month and protects 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 beautiful ladies. She represents family, fertility and longevity. Helps to find harmony of spirit with body, is a talisman of the hearth and protection from misfortunes. The turtle and the sunrise signify hard work. Polynesian warriors used her shell as a shield, so the design has another meaning: strength of body and spirit, stamina and poise. According to legend, the turtle carries souls to the kingdom of the dead, therefore, after death, the Polynesians applied to the body the sign of a person walking nearby or sitting on the shell.

The image of a shark means perseverance and power, protection from enemies and troubles. Among the Polynesian people, she was a sacred animal; they worshiped her power and strength. A picture of a fish in the form of a triangle means resistance to troubles; if depicted under a luminary, it means imperishable strength and power; together with a dolphin, it means strong and true friendship.

The body design of a lizard is a connection with the gods and access to other worlds. According to legend, the gods come to humans exclusively in the form of a gecko, so the image personifies the supernatural power that passes to the owner. For warriors, tattoos meant physical strength, hardness, endurance and speed. If a lizard was stuffed with a turtle, it means that the person is responsible for his words and actions.

Warriors and hunters wore the Tiki deity mask 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, people.
The Polynesian stingray tattoo signifies elegance, spiritual beauty, grace and freedom, and is a powerful protection. Often this image includes hooks symbolizing good luck, tiki masks - protection from all evil, a hibiscus flower - beauty, a cross - harmony and balance, and 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, and therefore can mean dexterity and cunning. This Polynesian tattoo can be done on the shoulder or back, or on the ankle and foot; it looks good on the lower back of girls.

Polynesian tattoos for men - physical and spiritual strength

The body pattern gives masculinity and brutality if applied to the back or forearm, covering part of the chest. A full length sleeve or from shoulder to elbow, from elbow to neck looks good.

Often men apply similar work on the leg to the knees, on the calves, on the side of the lower leg or from the foot to the thigh. The composition may consist of several patterns or a thin strip of ornament going down along the stomach or back.

Women's Polynesian tattoos - mystery and grace

The pictures look too massive for the female body, but you can choose beautiful images to make them seem light and delicate, not overloaded with wide lines. Polynesian-style tattoos are applied to the leg, arm and shoulder, but they look more feminine and luxurious on the shoulder blade, back, and 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 combine well with bright and voluminous images of other styles. Do not fill the drawings too small: each picture consists of large quantity different details, they can visually merge into a black and white spot. The beauty and grandeur of the body painting will be lost.