Polynesian tattoos have a long tradition among Polynesians and are unique to their culture and background. These are some facts about Polynesian tattoos' origins and meanings that you probably didn't know.

Tattoo Art in Polynesian Culture

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when tattooing became a part of Polynesian culture. The custom is thought to have existed for at least 2,000 years. Tattoos were a popular way for Polynesians to show their individuality and personality, with different meanings being attached to each design depending on the surrounding culture.

Tattoos, for instance, may have acted as symbols of social status in a hierarchical society or may have been only worn by tribal chieftains. Sometimes, tattoos served as spiritual protection and resembled tribal patches. As a result, each tattoo's significance varied among island communities and likely changed over time.

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Polynesian Tattoo

According to Tahitian legend, Ta'aroa was the world's greatest inventor and had two sons who are credited with inventing the first tattoos. These sons later became the tattooing deities Matamata and T Ra'i P. This demonstrates that the art form was more important as a religious practice connected to cultural traditions than just a means of body decoration.

Captain James Cook's Pacific Expedition to Tahiti and New Zealand ended in 1771 with his return to Europe. This is where the word "tattoo" entered the English language. Sailors were influenced by these foreign designs and cultures. As they visited Polynesia, it became a common custom to acquire tattoos on their arms.

The drawback of this new obsession, though, was that tattoos were being worn without much awareness of their cultural significance. Also, due to religious beliefs against marking one's body, European colonialism outlawed tattooing in the 18th century.

Thankfully, Polynesian customs like tattooing have had a cultural resurgence since the 1960s. Tattooing is now used by individuals to express and maintain Polynesian culture, which western ideologies long denied.

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What Polynesian tattoos mean

Depending on the design, Polynesian tattoos can have a variety of meanings. Polynesians who had their skin marked and underwent rites of passage to become accepted members of their society demonstrated their capacity for pain tolerance. As a result, tattoos served as visible symbols of status and ancestry and were an integral part of one's identity.

Polynesian Tattoo

Moreover, tattoos would provide a spiritual defense. The human body is connected to the two parents of humanity, Rangi (Heaven) and Papa, in Polynesian mythology (Earth). Man's desire was to reunify these powers, and tattooing was one method. The top part of the body is frequently connected to Rangi, while the lower part is connected to Papa.

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The special significance of each kind of tattoo

The location of a tattoo on the body indicated the wearer's request for a specific spiritual boom to guide them in life. For instance, tattoos applied to the legs and feet spoke about progressing in life and changing it. When using their hands and arms to make and create things.

It was not simply where the tattoos were placed on the significant body, but also the actual motifs. Polynesian tattoos feature a variety of motifs, some of which are listed here.

An enata sign, which features a human figure, is a frequent motif. A row of people in this emblem denotes that the wearer's ancestors are keeping an eye on them. The triangle shark-tooth band is another typical pattern and represents strength, protection, and direction. Wearing a spearhead denotes a powerful warrior.

Maori People

The significance of an ocean motif with a bent circle is that it symbolizes the second home of Polynesians. Many believe that humans relax and die in the water. When incorporated into a tattoo, the ocean symbol stands for advancement through change, life, and transformation.

Famous Polynesian tattoos that resemble human faces are known as "tiki" designs. As chiefs or priests, they are frequently revered as demi-gods or deified ancestors. They serve as guardians for the wearers and are emblems of fertility and protection.

Animals like the turtle, which represents good health, fertility, long life, tranquility, and rest, are among the other prominent emblems. The repetition of this symbol aims to unite families. The lizard is another animal that represents gods and spirits that unite the physical and spiritual realms. Overall, they are lucky charms, but disobeying them could bring bad omens.

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