Tattoo tiki: what do Polynesian masks mean?
Among the variety of styles and trends in the contemporary art of tattooing extremely attractive looks the direction
tattoo tiki
. Such images amaze with their originality, beauty, smoothness of lines and special sacral meaning inherent in every separate drawing.
Looking at every tattoo made in this direction, there are some special mystic feelings filling the soul with new emotions. What, then, does a person who wears such images in the tiki style experience?
History
The origin of such intricate patterns is quite interesting. Tattoos are called Polynesian because they originally appeared in Polynesia with the Maori tribe. The process of tattooing was considered sacred, so only priests had the right to impose them. And as you can already guess, tattoos were also made not for beauty, each of them had a special sacred meaning and were according to the people a certain divine channel. The drawings could be on a particular part of the body (shin, chest, thigh, face, hands, etc.) or on several at the same time.
They also played a big role in the tribal society of the time. According to the tattoos about a person could be defined: character, tribe, occupation, origin and much more. However, it is worth noting the fact that such a picture could do himself only men, but in no case women.
Polynesian style: history of origin
The Polynesian style tattoo is considered the oldest trend in the art of body art. However, the ethnic patterns began to gain popularity more recently: around the first half of the 20th century. The main difference between Polynesian tattoos from today is that only men had the right to nail the body art.
Besides, it was possible to put them only if the person had the status. If a person had a desire to get a Polynesian tattoo without certain merits, no one applied it. As a rule, a large number of tattoos had high status people, ordinary people had very few drawings on his body.
The process of tattooing was considered a mystery: it was a sacred rite. The ritual could be carried out only by the chief priest, and the drawing, which was applied, was a kind of "passport" of a man.
The tattoo could easily determine what kind of activity the man was engaged in, to what tribe and social status he belonged. In addition, it was easily possible to say what feats were performed and what fame this or that man had.
It should be noted and that tattoos were printed on places where coincided negative and positive energy flows. Thanks to it, a tattoo could overlap the negative obstructing a man, thereby having adjusted his life.
Nowadays the tattoo style of Polynesia becomes more and more popular in tattoo salons around the world. It is true that the meaning that was earlier in absolutely every drawing is no more. They became more frequent on the body at the expense of its complexity and beauty. Each picture has its own unique ornament, which consists of beautiful waves, spirals, zigzags and even geometric figures.
In today's world, Polynesian style tattoos are applied not only to the male body, but also to the female body. Therefore, it is necessary to know what is better to depict on a girl's body so that the tattoo does not look "heavy" or massive.
In order for the 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 by flowers that give tranquility, butterflies or birds that symbolize freedom.
What is it?
Sketches of Polynesian tattoos are not to be confused with anything else. Each of them consists of small patterns, geometric shapes, spirals, curves, lines and other details, which all together eventually form a whole picture. For example, a turtle, a wave, and more. When choosing, you should know what the meaning of the Polynesian tattoo is. This is what we will look at in detail below with specific examples.
Similar styles and compatibility
On Polynesian are very similar styles of ornamental, tribal, ethnic and blackwork. Black, geometric and abstract patterns, clean lines and deep symbolism are also typical. Drawings in these styles are perfectly combined with each other, making the image organic and whole.
Important to know! Drawings are extremely complex and require great professionalism. Only experienced masters can be trusted to apply them, who will take into account the reliefs of the body and make the tattoo clear and neat.
TIKI
Very interesting are the Polynesian style tattoos in the form of masks. They are also called TIKI. In ancient times, such images of masks could be worn only by hunters and warriors of the tribe. Why? Because it was these people who were in greater danger by virtue of their activities, and TIKI could protect them in difficult times, protect them from the attacks of animals and humans and, most importantly, from evil spirits. Such Polynesian masks have eyes, when looking into which all "unclean forces" are intimidated. As a rule, Polynesians had several tattoos with TIKI masks on different parts of the body to scare away evil from all sides.
Who should get tattoos?
Tiki-style tattoos are suitable for:
- Young men;
- ambitious guys;
- courageous and brave people.
In general, all those who are not afraid of anything in life and are always ready to defend their point of view, to protect themselves and their loved ones, if any real danger will threaten.
Naturally, the infliction of tattoos in this style requires special skills from the master - after all to create the correct sketch, fully corresponding to the tiki and transfer it to the body is not so easy as it may seem.
Therefore, if you are attracted to the drawings of this type, before you give your body in the hands of a tattooist, make sure of his qualifications.
Lizard
As you can see, the Polynesian images and patterns on the body tended to adopt all the best features and qualities personified by these objects or creatures. The same thing happened, for example, with the drawing of a lizard. They come in different kinds, but all of them are distinguished by speed, dodginess, and courage. As a rule, these tattoos were worn by soldiers to help them in difficult times. If the lizard was depicted with a turtle, it meant that the bearer of the tattoo is a man of his word.
The meaning of the symbols
Above we have considered the main options of images and drawings, which are composed of patterns and details. However, in addition to these, there are smaller, but no less important symbols of Polynesian tattoo, each of which also has its own meaning. From these, as a rule, large drawings are also created.
These symbols are interesting not only from the point of view of tattoo history, but also for studying the culture and mentality of the tribes of Oceania as a whole. For example, a famous traveler and ethnographer Carl von den Steinen at the end of the XIX century (1897-98) made a lot of useful notes on the life of the Polynesian tribes. He passed them on to other scholars and universities. In his notes he also touched on the symbols to which the Polynesians attached great importance.
Let's take a closer look at the meanings of these drawings.
Enata
The Human (also known as enata) is a very simple symbol. As a rule, it is a part of complex patterns, and denotes close people. If enata is inverted, it symbolizes defeated enemies.
Also many Polynesian peoples depicted a circle of these little men, translated as "cloudy sky," which symbolizes the sky, as well as all the ancestors who, according to tradition, can patronize the living.
And the likeness of two figures joined together usually depicts a marriage, a wedding, a couple.
It is very easy to confuse enata symbols with other depictions of warriors in the form of the same human figures. But there is an essential difference between them - the presence of a spear. And the meaning of such drawings is already different.
It is worth noting that it is not always possible to recognize the symbols of human figures in the Polynesian tattoo. Some variations are simplified so much that they represent a kind of geometric image, only slightly resembling a person.
Objects
Small simplified images of objects could also make up an entire painting. For example, spears, tips, sharp objects (fangs, stingers) and other tools of battle may have been drawn on it to indicate a human warrior. They were also often made into a long chain or circle.
Another indispensable item in Polynesian life, which was both a tool for battles and used to build houses/canoes, was the hoe. It symbolized skill, strength, and respect.
And by the drawing of the baton it was possible to identify the chief of the tribe, as only they used it in battles. This object denotes leadership, nobility, honor, respect, and honorability. In general, all the qualities of an ideal chief.
Animals
Of other simple symbols, islanders in Oceania often inscribed animals on their bodies. For example, millipedes were often depicted. They, like stingrays: generally harmless, but poisonous, so dangerous and symbolize courage, fighting spirit.
The lizards (geckos, moko), which often appear in the ancient myths of many peoples, also have a special sacred meaning. In Polynesian tribes it is believed that these animals bring good luck and patronage, protection from evil forces. In some cases, the image of a moko meant divine origin.
Another important animal in the tattoos of Polynesia is the turtle ("honu"). This symbolizes the family, fertility, longevity, peacefulness, the ocean, and freedom. The symbol of the whale has a similar meaning.
Fish was important for the islanders, as it was the main source of food. And that is why the image with the fish meant abundance, prosperity, life. And the pattern of scales was thought to be able to be a protection for a person.
Often the inhabitants of the islands tattooed themselves with sharks, or more precisely, with their sharp triangular teeth. Such a symbol means strength, courage. It is believed that the picture can protect in the water. In addition, there is also the symbol of the hammerhead shark, which also symbolizes sociality and friendship.
Common Polynesian tattoos and their meaning
Hawaiian tattoos were performed in a distinctive style that came from the islanders. The main symbols of Hawaiian tattoos were fish, flowers, animals. Drawings were applied for rites of worship to the gods on the body of both men and women. Such tattoos look quite harmonious, so they are popular to this day.
Tattoos in Indonesia as well as in Polynesia were a "passport". With the help of special ornaments it was possible to depict the whole life of a person: from the beginning to the end.
Applying a tattoo in Indonesia and Malaysia was considered a sacred rite, so only the chief priests had the right to impose such a tattoo. Each symbol that is drawn on the body is not depicted for the sake of a simple picture, but carries deep meaning from different legends and beliefs. And to know what the meaning is hidden in each tattoo, below will be the most common tattoos of Polynesia.
Polynesian turtle.
Back in ancient times, the turtle symbol was considered a protective amulet. This happened because the hard shell, according to the ancient people, did not let through various evil forces. In addition to strength and protection, the turtle also brings good health with long years of 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 keeps away from the evil eye and evil spirits. Such masks are suitable for young fearless guys who can always stand up for themselves.
Tiki mask
Polynesian patterns.
As for the Polynesian patterns, they are really very similar to each other, because they have the same elements, such as waves, zigzags, angles, different lines. But we must not forget that each tattoo consists of a set of elements with its own meaning that does not overlap with other Polynesian tattoos.
Cross
As a rule, this symbol means an attitude of faith. Earlier by 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. Also, this symbol can mean harmony and strength of a man.
Sun
The sun illuminates the mind, thereby helping to achieve everything the man intended. And in addition to clarity and warmth, it helps to find happiness, to surround oneself with goodness and light.
Bear
It all depends on how the bear will be drawn: it can be depicted as calm or aggressive. But if we consider what a bear tattoo means, we can note wisdom, the beginning of a new life, as well as power and resilience.
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 the tattoo it carries strength, perseverance and power.
Bull
The meaning of such a drawing performed as a tattoo has always been clear: it meant 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, the ornament on the body was considered a decoration. Ornament is a pattern that was based on repeating elements. The ornament had elements of only geometric shapes - circle, square, rhombus, oval. And each symbol meant a different meaning. For example, a circle is the sun.
How to get a Polynesian tattoo nowadays?
If previously not everyone could afford such tattoos, but only men of some tribes in Oceania, now everything has become much easier and more accessible. If you went through the guidebook of Polynesian tattoos and firmly decided to make yourself the desired drawing, now you need to find a master in a tattoo parlor. At such places, there are usually many of the tattoo artists who know how to do such things. They draw a sketch or immediately stuffed on the selected image. You can make yourself a neat Polynesian tattoo on the arm or score the whole body, the scope for imagination is wide enough.
However, many believe that such patterned drawings should be done just in Polynesia. And indeed, only there you can feel all the sacredness of such action. Often, there the drawings are made the way the distant ancestors of Polynesians did, with the help of an animal fang (for example, a shark or a boar). It is worth noting that it is painful, but at the same time more impressive process.
Distinctive features of Polynesian tattoos
Polynesian style is very rich and varied. Lines, dots, spirals, ribbons can be combined in one image, but the rule of symmetry and overall harmony is always respected.
Polynesia has several branches:
- Borneo - this sub-style is easily recognized by the thick lines of rich color;
- Oceania - complex drawings with thin outlines, telling about the status of the person;
- Haida - tattoos in red.
In the drawings there are no shadows, smooth transitions and blurred contours are excluded. The color is usually taken one - a saturated black or red.
