Polynesia tattoo bracelets sketches. The meaning of a tattoo in the Polynesian style: shoulder designs for men. Are there guidelines for applying Polynesian shoulder tattoos?

Tattoos in the Polynesian style became popular among Europeans relatively recently, in the first half of the twentieth century. Of course, they came into fashion thanks to their complex, bizarre and unusually beautiful patterns, consisting of spirals, waves, zigzags, and geometric shapes. Even modern world celebrities (for example, John Dwayne) were seduced by such tattoos.

But few people think about their true, original purpose. In the archaic Polynesian culture, tattoos served not just to decorate the body, but they were invested with a deep sacred meaning. With their help, contact was established with the transcendental upper world.

The very process of applying a tattoo was a sacred sacrament, a rite that only a priest could perform. Each drawing had its own meaning, influencing the fate of the wearer. This perception of body painting in the Polynesian picture of the world goes back to the ideas and rituals of the ancient Maori tribe.

A tattoo in Polynesia was a kind of calling card or, more precisely, it played the role of an identity document. She reported to what clan, and at the same time tribe, a person belongs, what social status he has, what feats and worthy deeds he has performed in life, what he has become famous for.

The sketches of Polynesian tattoos captured in the photo are reminiscent of ancient artistic wood carvings, which not only perform an aesthetic function, but are endowed with great sacred content. The tree in the primitive, especially totemic consciousness was also deified, spiritualized, and identified with the human body.

In mythological concepts, the human body was likened to the world, the Universe, and in the astral understanding it was divided into zones of intersection of various energy flows. It was on these areas that drawings were applied in order to block the influence of, for example, negativity, to bring good into life, correct character, change or improve fate, as if rewriting what was destined for it. The result directly depended on the image and the symbolism associated with it.

in the ancient Polynesian sense, it personifies protection, an impenetrable energy shell that will not allow any evil forces into life. It also brings health, family strength, longevity
means eternity, interconnection and continuity of life, as well as death. Attracts life-giving warmth, Happiness, goodness, success in planned enterprises.
considered a powerful amulet. Protects from negativity. Gives inner freedom, sophistication and attractiveness.
gives power, authority, willpower and perseverance. Protects from enemies and all kinds of harm.
(and at the same time, a gecko, an iguana) reveals higher knowledge, the gift of clairvoyance, and enhances supernatural abilities.

And today, in our technological and civilized age, tattoos on some Polynesian islands have not lost their sacred meaning and are used to communicate with higher deities.

Video of tattoo in Polynesian style

. 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 came into fashion, 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 calmness.

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 only practiced 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. Sharp fish bones have not been used 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.

Polynesian tattoos, which appeared on the Pacific Islands, did not initially serve as decoration for the body. 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.

Polynesian tattoos are drawings or tattoo sketches that have their own history and are a separate style of the ancient people who lived on the coasts of the Pacific Ocean.

Polynesian style: history of origin

Tattooing in the Polynesian style is considered the oldest direction in the art of body designs. However, ethnic patterns began to gain popularity quite recently: around the first half of the 20th century. The main difference between Polynesian tattoos and modern ones is that only men had the right to get tattoos on their bodies.

In addition, they could only be applied if the person’s status allowed it. If a person had a desire to apply a Polynesian tattoo without certain merits, no one applied it. As a rule, people of high status had a large number of tattoos; ordinary people had very few designs on their bodies.

The process of tattooing was considered a sacrament: it was a sacred rite. The ritual could only be carried out by the chief priest, and the drawing that was applied was a kind of “passport” of the man.

Based on the tattoo, one could easily determine what type of activity a person is engaged in, what tribe and social status he belongs to. In addition, it was easy to say what feats were accomplished and what this or that man became famous for.

It should also be noted that tattoos were placed on places where negative and positive energy flows coincided. Thanks to this, a tattoo could cover up the negativity that hindered a man, thereby improving his life.

Currently, the Polynesian tattoo style is becoming increasingly popular in tattoo parlors around the world. The truth is that the meaning that was previously in absolutely every drawing is no longer there. They began to be applied to the body more often due to their complexity and beauty. Each design has its own unique pattern, which consists of beautiful waves, spirals, zigzags and even geometric shapes.

In the modern world, Polynesian style tattoos are applied not only to the male body, but also to the female body. Therefore, you need to know what is best to depict on a girl’s body so that the tattoo does not look “heavy” or massive.

In order for a girl’s body to remain feminine, you should not draw wide lines, then they will give lightness. The most attractive tattoos for girls are lizards or stingrays, which can be complemented with flowers that impart calmness, butterflies or birds, symbolizing freedom.

Common Polynesian tattoos and their meanings

Hawaiian tattoos were performed in a distinctive style that came from the islanders. The main symbols of Hawaiian tattoos were fish, flowers, and animals. Drawings were applied for rituals of worship of gods on the bodies of both men and women. Such tattoos look quite harmonious, which is why they are popular to this day.

Tattoos of Indonesia, like Polynesia, were a “passport”. With the help of special ornaments it was possible to depict a person’s entire life: from the very beginning to the end.

Tattooing in Indonesia and Malaysia was considered a sacred rite, so only the chief priests had the right to get such tattoos. Each symbol that is drawn on the body is not depicted for the sake of a simple picture, but carries a deep meaning from various legends and beliefs. And in order to know what meaning is hidden in each tattoo, the most common tattoos in Polynesia will be presented below.

Polynesian tortoise

Even in ancient times, the turtle symbol was considered a protective amulet. This happened because the hard shell, according to ancient people, did not allow various evil forces to pass through it. In addition to strength and protection, the turtle also brings good health with long life, as well as a good and happy family.

Polynesian masks

Various masks were applied only to male warriors. It was believed that this tattoo protects in battle, and also protects from the evil eye and evil spirits. These masks are suitable for young, fearless guys who can always stand up for themselves.

Tiki mask

Polynesian patterns

As for Polynesian patterns, they are really very similar to each other, because they have the same elements, such as waves, zigzags, angles, and different lines. But we must not forget that each tattoo consists of a set of elements that have their own meaning, which does not intersect with other Polynesian tattoos.

Cross

As a rule, this symbol means an attitude towards faith. Previously, from the drawing it was possible to determine the class and tribe to which the person who wore a tattoo in the form of a cross belonged. This symbol can also mean harmony and strength of a man.

Sun

The sun illuminates the mind, thereby helping to achieve everything that a person has in mind. And in addition to clarity and warmth, it helps to find happiness, surround yourself with goodness and light.

Bear

It all depends on how the bear is drawn: it can be depicted as calm or aggressive. But if we consider what a tattoo depicting a bear means, we can note wisdom, the beginning of a new life, as well as power and perseverance.

Lizard

The lizard symbol opens the way to higher knowledge and enhances supernatural abilities.

Shark

Since ancient times, the shark has been considered the strongest animal, and in a tattoo it carries strength, perseverance and power.

Bull

The meaning of such a design made as a tattoo has always been clear: it signifies the embodiment of masculinity and strength. At all times, it was believed that the bull is a strong and invincible animal.

Ornament

Since ancient times, body ornaments have been considered decoration. Ornament is a pattern that is based on repeating elements. The ornament contained elements only of geometric shapes - circle, square, rhombus, oval. Moreover, each symbol has its own meaning. For example, a circle is the sun.

Best Places to Get Polynesian Tattoos

In ancient times, Maori tattoos were applied to the face to intimidate the enemy during battle. In the modern world, people don’t get tattoos on their faces, because there’s no one left to intimidate. Therefore, over time, the drawings migrated to other parts of the body. Let's take a closer look at them.

On the chest

It is better to apply patterns on the sternum that consist of crosses; they mean harmony, as well as the balance of forces and elements.

On the hand

If a straight line is depicted on the hand, such a design means the military path. Therefore, if when choosing an ornament, its meaning is taken into account, which includes a mention of the man’s military path, then it is best to wear a Maori tattoo on the shoulder. You can also apply a Polynesia tattoo on your arm in the form of a sleeve: this design looks the most impressive.

Forearm tattoo

It is better to apply tattoos on the forearm area that indicate strength, for example, it could be a large black symbol.

One of the categories of tattoos that are especially popular these days are Polynesian tattoos. Such drawings are bright and visible from afar. But the distinctive feature of these images is not only the brightness and originality of the design, but also the deep meaning. Polynesian tattoos will make you feel the strength and power of a native Polynesian. Despite the popularity of this type of tattoo, the style of drawing remains new for many people.

Polynesian sleeve style

Origin of Polynesian style tattoos

The Polynesian Islands consist of a group of islands that are found in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous among them are Tahiti, Cook Island, Hawaii, Easter Island. Every person associates these islands with exoticism. It was here, on these fertile lands, that not only the original method of painting, but also the very concept of tattooing arose. This word comes from “ta” - picture and “atu” - spirit.

There is a legend that the Polynesian god Tiki taught the inhabitants to apply drawings on their bodies.

For the Polynesians, body paintings were not an easy way to decorate themselves. Tattoos demonstrated a person's occupation, his status among other inhabitants of the island, as well as individual characteristics and qualities. On the islands, the number of tattoos corresponded to the place a person occupied in society. Modern tattoos do not demonstrate social status, but convey the atmosphere of Polynesia and the character of the people.

Shoulder of a man in Polynesian patterns

Originality of the drawing

Polynesian tattoo designs consist of complex patterns and intricate shapes. The lines of the drawing curl or are applied straight, thus forming a separate composition or image. These can be geometric shapes, elements, animals, cosmic bodies and others. Each element of such a picture has its own meaning.

Important!

Only priests had the right to apply drawings on the human body. Because this process was not simply a decoration of the body, but a mysterious rite that could be identified with an act of initiation.

Hand bracelet made in Polynesian style

Polynesian traditions

Tattooing, like the image itself, was an important ritual in the Polynesian Islands. The artist who drew the tattoo was a priest and always received gifts for his work and, what is more valuable, the respect of the entire society. Since the process of applying a tattoo was lengthy, those who wanted to receive a body design and deserved it lived for a long time in the priest’s house. The “clients” prayed constantly.

Only leaders and their close circle could have a large number of large-scale tattoos. For others, the drawings were much simpler. Women had their lips tattooed to protect them from aging.

I'm crazy about Polynesian tattoos. And I myself am the owner of one. This drawing looks elegant, non-trivial and always attracts the attention of others. In addition, such a tattoo acts as a kind of totem and gives self-confidence and strength.

Artem, St. Petersburg.

Polynesian style tattoos on the forearm

Polynesian tattoos: a variety of design options

The process of drawing a picture, like the image itself, has many options that have developed traditionally. The Moko technique differed from the well-known image piercing technique. To perform this, a chisel was used to produce cut wounds.

Polynesian style turtle tattoo on back

Such designs were preferred by the Maori tribe; other inhabitants of the Polynesian islands were more traditional. Maori are also known for their tattoo motifs: pu-kauwae (spiral designs on the chin), pae-pae (spiral designs on the cheeks) and others. Such drawings determined the status of the Polynesian.

Polynesian tattoo designs differ from other body designs in their clarity of lines and shapes. This tattoo is very reminiscent of wood carving, creating the effect of a three-dimensional image. The elements used in tattoos are quite diverse: from spirals and lines to images of representatives of the animal world. It was the richness of the flora and fauna of Polynesia that became the source for body designs in the form of fish, moon, stars, ferns and other symbols. Images and additional details are placed symmetrically on the body. This gives special uniqueness and charm to the body pattern.

Polynesian tattoo on leg

The meaning of tattoos

Polynesian tattoo photos are freely available both on the Internet and in tattoo parlor catalogs. These drawings can tell a lot about their owner. Their symbols are quite deep and emphasize the main character traits of a person. Often such a tattoo can illustrate a person’s life credo, parting words, a kind of totem and amulet.

Modern lovers of body painting, when choosing Polynesian tattoos, often miss their meaning and use the drawing as a decorative element of the image.

The shark symbolizes omnipotence, power and strength, and determination. Because the shark is perceived as a sacred animal, possessing power and fearlessness. This design is designed to protect the owner.
Tiki is a popular symbol representing Polynesian masks. Such drawings protect the owner from external threats, as well as from evil spirits. The eyes on the mask look in different directions, which symbolizes attention and protection.
Turtle – life expectancy, fertility. This pattern is a symbol of family and protection.
Moon– a female version of the Polynesian tattoo. Because the Moon has become a symbol of femininity, femininity and abundance.
Sun, as in other tattoos, embodies eternity and life. The combination of two luminaries - the Moon and the Sun - emphasizes that the impossible is possible.
Lizards, geckos are a symbol of supernatural power.

Polynesian style blackwork on the leg

Before getting a tattoo, every person thought about the appropriateness of the action. I'm not an exception. Therefore, having finally made a decision, I determined for myself a category of tattoos that optimally expressed my essence and admiration for the art of body painting. For those who are also undecided, I advise you to consider this category as an option.

Alina, Omsk