The Tiki, a humanoid-like figure, is a representation of the creation myth that is common in various forms to many of the islands. Modern tattooing has allowed for the introduction of an array of colors that help brighten the flowers.įor many of the Polynesian islands, individual island culture and history stem from a common origin that eventually grew into many varied branches of peoples. The hibiscus, tattooed with the typical thick, black, and interweaving lines of the Polynesian style, is a symbol of fertility and womanhood. To the women of Hawaii, the Hawaiian hibiscus flower is very symbolic and has a great deal of meaning. Specifically, one of the most popular tattoo designs in Hawaii is the hibiscus flower. The turtle is associated with the spirit world and was believed to have moved freely between the two realms. Receiving a sea turtle tattoo design is also a representation of one’s ancestry and serves as a tribute to the ancestors. The sea turtle is integral to Hawaiian culture and is a traditional symbol of prosperity. Today, Hawaiian flowers, abstract tribal designs, and turtles are very popular and are often designed in unique ways to differ slightly from the traditional tribal design. In Hawaii, the tattoos are a bit different from other Polynesian tattoos in that they have a more personal meaning. Sea shells made from geometric, symmetrical shapes are often used as well to symbolize one’s ancestor’s centuries of sea life. A sun with encircling rays is another frequently seen symbol that is included with curving and arching tribal designs. They are composed of thick, flat shapes and are usually surrounded by more tribal designs. Sea turtles are prominent in island life and so they are featured in many designs. Some or all of these designs are used together to create the tribal tattoos that originated in the many islands of the Polynesian region. A motif similar to the Greek meander pattern is often included as well in Polynesian designs where a continuous line rises and falls in a square or rectangular form in between two parallel lines. Thick and thin bold lines are woven together, often with triangles and crescents introduced in circular patterns.
Polynesian designs rely on a variety of patterns designed together, overlapping and complementing one another to create a complex and well-detailed appearance. Generally, among the wide array of unique cultures within the spectrum of Polynesian tattoos there are a few commonalities in the designs. Tattooing in this way becomes a rite of passage and a marker of family lineage. Essentially, the markings tell a life story which makes each tattoo both personal and unique. The meanings of these tattoos all depend on the personal history of the individual upon whom the work is completed. There was no writing in the culture so Polynesians used this art to express who a person was including genealogy, sexual maturity, status, and rank. Polynesian tattooing was the most skillful and complex tattooing at the time before the arrival of Europeans in the South Pacific.
Polynesian tribal tattoos are different depending on the island from which the individual originates and are deeply rooted in the cultural history of that place. In this area was born one of the most intricate styles of tattooing. Known as the Polynesian Triangle, islands like Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island, and Somoa (not technically in the triangle) are included in this area. Polynesia is defined as a small amount of land spread across around 70 million square miles in the Pacific Ocean. If you think we should add anyone to the list or if you see anything that should be edited, contact us by clicking here Here are some of the best Polynesian tattoo artists and shops according to our research. Click Here for a Tattoo Artist Recommendation!.
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