What are Polynesian tattoos called?
Each Pacific culture had their own very specific styles and tattoo motifs with their own set of meanings. Many of these symbols are present in today’s pan Polynesian tattoos (aka tribal tattoos), but many of the original meanings were lost along the way.
Is tattoo a Polynesian word?
The word ‘Tattoo’ in fact stems from ‘Tatau’, ‘Ta Moko’, ‘Pe”a’ , ‘Tatatau’, words in the languages of the Polynesian tribal cultures; Hawaiian, Tahititian, and Marquesian to name a few. The Polynesian Tattoo identifies who you are, what area you were bought up in and what village you came from.
What is the Polynesian symbol for family?
The Tahitian tapa’au symbol representing a braided cord symbolizesfamily unity and tradition. The kapua’i Hawaiian motif represents the footsteps of the ancestors. The ritorito symbol represents the central shoot of the flax plant (rito), which is a representation of family in Maori traditions.
Can anyone get Polynesian tattoos?
Even though men are usually the ones who get Polynesian tattoos, its designs are popular with women as well. Ancient female natives obtained these types of tattoos for plenty of reasons. For instance, women would get tattoos on their hands so they can perform the Kava ritual at ceremonies.
What does Polynesian Samoan tattoos mean?
The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs. The Samoan word for tattoo came from the Polynesian language.
What do Polynesian designs mean?
Polynesian designs such as Samoan and Hawaiian tribes often depict the sea . Raging waves drawn in curls, palm trees on an island and sun with lines of rays are common. The sun and moon are also good subjects for a tribal tattoo. Generally, the sun represents life, power, force and rebirth.
What is the modern symbolism of tattoos?
Modern tattoo designs combine powerful symbols like mandala with hamsa, lotus, elephant, owl, jewels, red flowers, roses, colorful leaves, etc. Chakras represent the invisible centers of human energy and are located along the spine. These symbols belong to the group of spiritual tattoos and each chakra is depicted as a geometric figure or lotus.