Polynesian tattoos and their meaning. Meaning of stingray tattoo Polynesian stingray

Cut out the tattoo. If you follow the traditions of the Maori people, the patterns on the body should not be stuffed with a needle, but cut out using a bone chisel. This is exactly how the Indians of past centuries decorated their bodies.

Now the people live on the islands of New Zealand, but previously they inhabited Eastern Polynesia. The oceanic expanses were overcome in the 13th century. We sailed in a canoe.

This alone speaks of the fearlessness of the people. So it's not surprising that Polynesian Maori tattoos made with chisels. They were driven into the skin with hammers, cutting off pieces of tissue.

The result was what in the modern world is called scarification. Historical paints are also different from modern ones. Maoris of the past pigmented wounds with ash mixed with fat.

In the 21st century, the composition is not used, and very few people decide to scarify it. However, alive Maori tattoo designs. They captivate with their ethnic style, abstractness, and strict geometry.

The meanings of the symbols are also fascinating. They recreate unity with nature and allow you to develop the spirit of a warrior. It is customary to choose a modern method of tattooing, but with ancient subjects. Let's delve into their essence.

Meaning of Maori tattoo

Maori tattoo are divided into 4 groups. The first of these includes animals. As a rule, these are inhabitants of the sea washing the islands of Little Zealand. These animals gave the Indians strength and life itself, serving as food. For this, people honored the inhabitants of the seas.

Some of them were inviolable, considered tribal totems. Totem is the progenitor. In other words, groups of Indians believed that some of them descended from sea turtles, others from stingrays, and still others from dolphins. Their images were applied to the bodies as amulets. Ancestors are able to give strength for achievements.

Dolphins and whales became symbols of protection for the Maori. Both types of animals drove sharks away from the Indians’ canoes and came to the rescue if one of the Maoris fell overboard.

Meanwhile, sharks were also carved on their bodies. It is a sign of power, aggression, power and perseverance.

The symbol is typical of Maori warriors. Their morals, by the way, were bloodthirsty. In the old days, Maori dried the heads of slain enemies and piled them up. On top of them they placed the skull of the murdered leader, trying to knock it down with sticks, like skittles.

IN Maori tattoos The stingray is included with the animals. He is revered as freedom itself. The image of the animal is applied to the bodies of freedom lovers. The drawings are called “mocha”.

This is what it is called in the Indian dialect. By the way, it carries a sacred meaning. In addition to the essence adopted by Europeans, Maori tattoos are close to the Chinese meridians.

These are the energy channels of the body. In the Celestial Empire they are also treated with massage. In New Zealand, energy centers are marked with tattoos.

Accordingly, you can activate the necessary chakras, as they would say in India. On the islands they don’t say anything, keeping the secrets of tattooing secret.

If Europeans borrow national stories, they are condemned. Remember Michael Tyson's tattoo? It is on the face and therefore noticed by many. Drawing taken from the selection photo of Maori tattoo.

The glory of one of the tribes of the people was so outraged by what Tyson had done that he said: “No one has the right to use sacred ornaments for decorative purposes.”

Without delving into the essence of what was written on his body, Tyson followed the main Maori tradition. Face tattoos are preferred by Indians. Other parts of the body were rarely decorated.

In addition to its direct meaning and work with energy centers, ornaments indicate a person’s social status and major life milestones.

This is a kind of passport that neither your own nor your enemies will be able to see under your clothes or hair. The face is always open, the tattoo on it can be read like the autobiography of an Indian.

Maori conventionally divide the face into 13 sectors. They represent the lunar months. Accordingly, the tattooed face is a kind of model of the Universe.

In addition, the ornaments correlate with the endocrine glands. This, according to the Indians, gives a person a true body. If a Maori does not have a tattoo, he is called "papa-tea", that is, a red skin without a body.

Now, let's return to the division of Maori plots. To the sea favorites of the people it is worth adding land lizards and herons. The image of the former accompanies intellectuals and sorcerers.

The lizard is considered a symbol of intuition. The heron is a sign of purity of spirit, fighters for justice and truth. Let's take into account that Maori tattoo meaning observed only with a certain technique of drawing.

It is composed of geometric elements, each of which carries a separate meaning. We will consider it in the second category of Indian tattoos.

So, about the geometry of Maori tattoos. The type and meaning of ornaments are connected. If the main element is a spiral, it means that the emphasis is on new beginnings, cyclical development, and connection with the cosmos.

It is especially important for Indians to tune in to the latter, because they are aware of their ordinariness and triviality. Even the name of the people in their language is translated as “normal”, “natural”. That is, the Redskins clearly separate themselves from the Gods, cosmic energy, turning to them for help, but without being arrogant.

The Maori word for a spiral is koru. The pattern can be double or triple twisted. This is a kind of analogue of the infinity sign. Unlike a regular spiral, the ornament is closed. Socially, the plot points to the interconnectedness of tribes.

In designs, the spiral can be combined with a curl in the form of a fish hook. It is a symbol of courage, prosperity and good health. The weak and cowardly could not go out to hunt at sea. The catch provided a good income.

Displayed in geometry Maori style tattoo, also, an ax head. It has a trapezoidal shape. Maori axes were used to work with wood, so the pattern ended up on the bodies of ancient builders and foresters. Symbolically, the tip is associated with power, determination and the ability to concentrate.

The third category of tattoos of New Zealand Indians are symbols of nature, for example, the sun. Its central part is drawn in the form of an open spiral. The symbol indicates the relationship between death and life. In terms of amulet, the drawing gives inner harmony.

Maori people considers products as amulets. The first mask, the Indians believe, was the first person from whom the entire Indian family descended.

Therefore, the symbol is considered as a human embryo and is depicted similarly, in a semi-crooked state, with a large head. The excitement for such things among Europeans is not entirely clear, because a mask is a sign of a specific people.

Maori tattoos for men

Maori have historically had gender equality. Both men and women can be warriors. Both the first and second have the right to tattoos. However, more often and in greater quantities, patterns are applied to the bodies of representatives of the stronger sex.

The reason is the philosophy of the people. The Indians are confident that a man’s body is external, that is, it is connected with the processes of the macrocosm. Female energy is directed inward, to the microcosm, that is, procreation.

So, meaning of Maori tattoo designs for men – strengthening the connection with the Universe. Therefore, the tattoo of the people of New Zealand does not tolerate asymmetry.

All images are divided into equal parts that duplicate each other. There must be universal harmony in everything. Otherwise, the settings of the man’s energy body will be disrupted.

In addition to the face, the tattoo areas for Maori men are the shoulders and buttocks. Indians believe that a series of tattoos creates a special energy structure.

It, unlike the human body, is immortal and is preserved when the Maori goes to another world. It turns out that sketch Maori means trying to perpetuate oneself in the form of an energy sphere.

In general, Indians’ views on the world contain a lot of occultism and esoteric motives. For an ancient people trying to preserve their identity, this is typical. By the way, indigenous Indians make up about 15% of New Zealand's population.

Once upon a time, the Maori were its rightful owners, until James Cook arrived on the islands. This happened in the 18th century. Since then, the settlement of Zealand by Europeans began.

Women's Maori tattoos

Women's Maori tattoos, like men's, are cyclical, symmetrical, made in black and with strict geometry. However, the places where the patterns are applied differ.

The face matches. The remaining zones are individual, associated with sexual and reproductive principles. Accordingly, Maori women decorate their bellies, breasts, and thighs.

Interesting! Of the indigenous peoples of Polynesia, only the Maori have fewer tattoos on the bodies of women than on the bodies of men. In other tribes the situation is the opposite.

Researchers link this to the separate developmental path of the Maori. Do not forget that they left their native lands back in the 13th century. The Indians settled the island, which was many times larger in size than the patches of land occupied by related peoples.

In general, the Maori chose their own path of development. However, tattoo traditions appear to have been firmly established before the 13th century. The plots and interpretations of tattoos of the people are not much different from other Polynesian ones.

European tattoos in the Maori style for women are similar to tattoos using hieroglyphs. In foreign and complex languages, mistakes are often made. As a result, knowledgeable people read tattoos in such a way that they do not decorate, but ridicule or insult their wearer.

Therefore, the best solution when deciding to get a Maori tattoo is to visit the islands and persuade them to apply a drawing of their indigenous resident. Lately, however, for a lot of money, the Indians have agreed to apply part of their culture to the bodies of strangers.

For centuries, people from all over the world have been decorating their bodies with tattoos. The word "tattoo" comes from the Polynesian language and means "drawing". In addition to the term, Polynesia gave the world a special style of body designs that cannot be confused with any others. Polynesian tattoo was formed from an ancient ritual art form that spread on the island of Tahiti, Hawaii and others.

History and significance

The custom of applying special designs to the body originated on the islands of Polynesia in ancient times. At first it was not a decoration, but a sacred act. Only the priest had the right to apply a Polynesian tattoo. He was the most respected member of his tribe.

There were several ways to apply a pattern to the skin. It all depended on which island the community was on. Therefore, despite the general similarity, there are several subgroups that are combined into Polynesian tattoos.

The meaning of the ritual in ancient times is associated with knowledge about the owner of the drawing. The tattoo was compiled from the main information:

• family;
• community;
• position in the community;
• main occupation;
• personal qualities;
• main actions in life.

Some images had to be earned by demonstrating strength, dexterity, and endurance in the hunt. Each fragment of the picture has its own name and carries a certain meaning. In general, a tattoo is similar to skillful wood carving. However, the tribes of the Polynesian islands were also famous for this.

Only men who had reached a certain age could apply an image to themselves. For women, such a ritual was prohibited. The procedure itself was painful, since the role of the needle was played by a shark or wild boar tooth. The paint was made from plant sap. The ritual of drawing a picture took several days. It was impossible to interrupt him, otherwise the family would face shame and expulsion from the tribe.

The emergence of Polynesian tattoos in Europe

Polynesian tattoos have always fascinated European sailors. But it was applied only to representatives of the tribe as a sacred design. For a long time, strangers could not get the desired patterns.

It is not known for certain how tattoos appeared among Europeans. There is a version that the sailors paid one of the leaders, and he provided them with a sample of Polynesian culture.

Places of application

Polynesian patterns (tattoos) were applied to the body of men in strictly defined areas. The place on the body where the tattoo was made depended on the social status of the man. Images could be found all over the body.

The following areas were covered with tattoos:

• head;
• wrist;
• breast;
• intimate parts of the body.

Masks

The Polynesian tattoo in the form of a mask was applied to warriors and hunters. It was believed that it could protect from evil spirits and protect in difficult times. Masks are also called tiki. There are many variations of them. They are applied over the body so that the eyes of the masks look in different directions. This will protect their owner from all sides. No matter how threatening the mask may be, it does not carry evil. Her task is to frighten the evil that is everywhere.

Lizard

The image of a lizard on the body looks very beautiful, even flawless. Most often these are iguanas and geckos. First of all, they mean physical strength, body power, stamina, speed, determination.

The presence of a lizard and a turtle on the body indicated that its bearer was true to his word and was always ready to prove what he said with action. This was the secret of his well-being.

Scat

The stingray tattoo in the culture of the Polynesian islands was a powerful symbol of protection. Many tribes glorified this animal, which they perceived as beautiful, wise and not showing aggression towards humans. At the same time, it is very poisonous.

The body pattern expresses calmness and deliberation, which borders on dangerous grace and (if necessary) poisonous beauty.

Turtle

A Polynesian turtle (tattoo) on a person’s body meant that its owner was calm and wise. It was applied to balanced and persistent members of the tribe who were strong in body and spirit. There are a large number of shell samples to depict this animal.

The image of a turtle against the backdrop of a sunny dawn meant that the person was hardworking and thrifty. In addition, the animal on the body became a real amulet, the main task of which was to prolong the life of the owner.

Moon

The tribes of Polynesia studied the phases of the luminary well. They knew very well how celestial bodies affect the weather. The Polynesians gave their names to many stars and their clusters. The moon signified strength of character and mental fortitude.

The month symbolized the owner’s commitment to his own business and meant assertiveness in achieving his goal. The image, consisting of the moon and a dolphin, meant that its bearer is a wise leader who is always accompanied by success. The moon could be depicted in all sorts of variations, each of which carried its own unique meaning.

Spiral

The spiral symbol traditionally signifies new life and hope. If the spiral (koru) was unfolded, it symbolized renewal, restoration and life. If it is closed, it is a sign of constancy, infinity, and improvement.

Sun

The Polynesian sun (tattoo), as elsewhere, symbolizes light, life and eternity. In ancient times, this image was one of the first to be painted. The sun was a talisman that accompanies life.

The sun can be depicted in two versions. The first is sunrise, which symbolizes the awakening of energy, the second is sunset, which is a sign of the rebirth of all living things.

Sharks

This animal traditionally symbolizes perseverance, perseverance, and strength. Shark was applied to the chest, legs and thighs. They made images of these predatory animals for fishermen from sea monsters. The men of the shark tribe were protected from enemies and other threats.

The drawing on the body in the form of a shark under the sun symbolized eternal strength and power, and the combination of a dolphin and a shark meant strong friendship.

In the modern world, Polynesian tattoos have already lost the meaning that was originally inherent in them. Their popularity is due to how impressive they look on the body. The patterns, which consist of many intricacies, small elements, waves, spirals, ribbons, amaze the imagination and attract tattoo lovers all over the world.

Polynesia is a vast archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. It is inhabited by many tribes that have their own culture and traditions. The history of the Polynesian civilization goes back thousands of years. One of the aspects of the culture of these peoples is the unique, characteristic and incomparable Polynesian tattoos.

Style Features

Since the Polynesian islands were cut off from the influence of Western civilization for a long time, the inhabiting peoples retained their originality in their views on culture and creativity. Polynesian tattoos have remained virtually unchanged since the islands became a holiday destination for numerous tourists.

According to local beliefs, it is believed that only a religious minister can get Polynesian tattoos. This is what gives the tattoo magical power, creates protection for a person, and helps him overcome numerous difficulties. Tattoos in the Polynesian style have their own original design, which was formed over a long historical period. It cannot be confused with other areas of body painting. Photos of Polynesia tattoos allow you to understand the beauty of this art direction.

The basis of the images are clearly drawn lines, from which ornaments, patterns, waves, spirals and regular geometric shapes are composed.

The sketches look quite rough and impressive. Since the islands have a tropical climate, water and land are characterized by a wide variety of flora and fauna. Tattoos of the Polynesian shark, ray and turtle are quite common among the inhabitants of the islands. Their images skillfully fit into the intricacies of patterns, creating compositions of incredible beauty.

In addition to fulfilling the task of decorating the body, tattoos serve as a kind of identifier for each specific person. Tattoos in the Polynesian style indicate his belonging to a certain tribe, clan and position in them. Polynesian mask tattoos, denoting courage, bravery and eternity, are the property of warriors who are always ready to defend their land from enemies.

The meaning of tattoos

Before you get Maori and Polynesian tattoos in Moscow, you need to learn about their meaning. Typically, each sketch represents protection, success, luck or a wish. The religion of the islanders assumed that the human body is a microcosm in which energy flows are connected. To protect these places from evil forces, tattoos were applied to them. With their help, people wanted to change their lives for the better with the help of magical images.

The meaning of Polynesian tattoos is:

1. Sun. The luminary is credited with energy protection, counteraction to dark forces, good health and longevity.
2. Lizards. Since these creatures can live in different environments, they are characterized by agility, speed and adaptability to life circumstances.
3. Turtle. This reptile represents reliable protection from evil spirits and ill-wishers. It symbolizes peace and prosperity.
4. Shark. As a sacred animal, the shark is associated with strength, power and authority. The owner of such a tattoo is considered inaccessible to threats and violence.
5. Scat. His image is considered a powerful talisman that protects its owner from all kinds of troubles and troubles.
6. Moon. As a rule, Polynesian tattoos with this symbol are applied to themselves by women. The moon is considered a symbol of love and fertility.

There are no restrictions on where Polynesian tattoos can be applied. They are stuffed on the face, chest, back, arms and legs. The choice depends on the client’s worldview and figure.

. Polynesia sketches“transferred” to the Europeans, and they elevated the island patterns to the rank of a cult.

Westerners began to literally pray for the new culture of body painting.

The sailors, who were the first to adopt the tradition of painting themselves from the inhabitants of Oceania, modified it.

The shipbuilders replaced the abstract symbols of the Indians with anchors, swallows, female images, and compasses that were close and understandable to them.

However, the descendants of the 17th century sailors decided to pay tribute to the truly Polynesian.

Abstraction has become fashionable, like all ethnics. Only now, in pursuit of the beauty of form, Europeans began to miss the meaning. Let's figure out what its essence is.

The meaning of Polynesian tattoos

A land washed by the seas. This Polynesia. Tattoo meaning here they are often associated with the ocean. The Indians follow the example of its inhabitants.

Thus, the shark is pricked as a symbol of power, perseverance and perseverance. At the same time, Polynesians are aware of the degree of aggression emanating from the sea predator.

Therefore, the redskins depict shark teeth separately. They become a talisman against any threats from the outside.

Residents of the islands also consider the image of stingrays to be a protective symbol. Polynesians honor them as caretakers of the water's depths.

Stingrays are poisonous, which gives them the power to punish. At the same time, the smooth, unhurried movements of elasmobranchs indicate calm.

Therefore, the Indians decided that stingrays were dangerous, but wise. An ideal combination for a protective symbol, because you need to know who and what energies to “drive away” from the wearer tattoo.

Polynesia Maori, that is, the main tribe of the islands of Oceania, is a world of pagan beliefs.

Indians deify nature and consider themselves descendants of its creations. Some tribes believe that they descended from whales.

By the way, according to the worldview of the Redskins, they protect friendship. Other Polynesians think that their ancestors were dolphins, revered as a symbol of harmony.

Third tribes choose their emblem Turtle tattoo. Polynesia for armored animals - a land where they were proclaimed the guardians of wisdom, the embodiment of longevity and tranquility.

In parallel with the protective function, Polynesian tattoos describe a person’s character.

In the tribal system, patterns have long been one of the few opportunities to introduce oneself to others.

Moreover, this presentation depends largely on the nuances of the images. So, the same turtle in the rays of the rising sun is a sign of the hardworking and thrifty.

This may not be taken into account tattoo in the style of "Polynesia". Therefore, people with drawings printed in Europe and the USA are often incorrectly perceived as red-skins.

For the latter, not only the plot of the painting makes sense, but also its location on the body. The classics attract few contemporaries.

Meanwhile, most positive values Polynesian tattoo associated with areas of the face. It's always open.

Since tattoos were a way for the Redskins to convey information, it was natural that reasons for pride would be displayed on their faces.

The forehead, for example, was reserved for data on victories in battles. The patterns on the chin should speak about the origin of the person, and on the cheeks - about his occupation. Tattoos near the eyes reveal marital status.

Foreign residents, of course, cause "Polynesia" tattoo on the forearm, legs, back. In general, there is no crime in this.

But the meaning of the symbols is partially lost. The correct selection of drawing elements can correct the situation.

Based on these same elements, island tattoos are divided into types. Let's talk about them.

Types of Polynesian tattoos

Tattoo "Polynesia" - photo, which, at first glance, looks like a set of disparate symbols. The pictures are made up of dots, zigzags, spirals, and corners.

They are, in fact, the island tattoos, their primary elements. Thus, the spiral is the personification of “unwinding life and being in general.

The size of the “whirlpools” matters. Large spirals speak of the future, small ones indicate stages of the past.

Various nodes store information about ancestors and are able to tell the family tree. Therefore, there is a separate type of nodal "Polynesia" tattoo.

On the shoulder, neck, chest, patterns composed of crosses can also be located. The Maoris proclaim them a sign of harmony, the balance of all forces and elements.

Direct line to Polynesia tattoo on arm, leg, or other part of the body is an element of the military path.

In tattoos used for the strong and brave, they also use a lot of sharp corners.

They personify unexpected turns in battles and readiness for any force majeure.

It turns out that not only the overall picture matters, but also every “strokes” in it. These “strokes,” by the way, were applied with sharpened bones or shark teeth.

This is the historical procedure for body painting on the islands Polynesia. Sun Tattoo, “Moon”, “Masks” were applied long and painfully.

Therefore, in Oceania they practiced only men's tattoos. Polynesia“not ready” to give stories for women.

There are no amulets for motherhood, talismans for girlish happiness, few flowers and plant themes.

Where to get a Polynesian tattoo

If you look at the question in terms of choosing a salon, it is ideal to go to the homeland of island tattoos.

Among the Redskins there are still masters who know every nuance of national subjects. Fish have not used pointed bones for a long time.

In the artist’s hands you will see a standard typewriter. But, in the head and heart of the master, the knowledge of the ancestors lurks.

Some tattoo artists in Oceania are hereditary artists. This, by the way, indicates shamanic roots.

In past centuries, the redskins trusted the process of impaling only to priests.

If Polynesia tattoo on leg, head, shoulder, was drawn by someone else, he risked being severely punished for encroaching on the work of the wisest.

European masters often preserve only the style of ethnic tattoos. Their meaning fades into the background.

As a result, abstract plots in the eyes of knowledgeable people look the same as Chinese characters applied to the body without a thorough knowledge of the language.

A brutal drawing may turn out to be, for example, a symbol of cowardice or disobedience to authorities.

Now let’s answer the question of where to get a Polynesian tattoo, from the point of view of the body area. The historical arrangement of the patterns has already been discussed.

But, if painting your face is not part of your plans, you can find alternatives. The first is tattoos on the hands, for example, Tattoo "Polynesia: Sleeve".

This image covers most of the limb. Some sleeves start at the wrist and end just at the neck.

The hands are almost as open as the face, which means they can fulfill the historical role of representing a person in society.

In hot areas, the eggs also remain exposed. They are insensitive to pain.

Therefore, you can apply your “calling card” with little blood, without enduring painful sensations on your face or neck.

Although, many are ready to “sacrifice” their neck. The drawings look really impressive here. The main thing is not to overdo it with the size of the picture.

Large-scale tattoos blacken the neck, as if tearing the head from the body. And it becomes difficult to endure the procedure. By the way, about blackening.

Polynesian tattoos are only monochrome. The presence of color is already a fantasy on the theme, changing the entire concept of tribal patterns.