Source #2: polynesian tattoo handbook download.pdf FREE PDF DOWNLOAD The POLYNESIAN TATTOO Handbook - Preface polynesian-tattoo-handbook.com Handbook. Ever wondered where Maui got inspiration for his tattoos? They're totally Polynesian! Creative & distinctive tattoo ideas abound at Design Press, visit now!
Experience the rich Polynesian culture with these tattoo ideas now!There are 112 Polynesian Tattoo options that reflects its rich history here to check out.
08.06.09 / Author: zoey
Polynesian Tattoos
Note: This page is about Polynesian Tattoos.
To find out more about creating your own tattoo designs, please visit the websites below.
Polynesian tattoos are considered tribal tattoos because of their origin and epoch. Years ago, designs of Polynesian tattoos became popular with typical tattoo enthusiasts and the New Age era.
Even if you are not from the islands of Polynesia, you will surely appreciate the intricacy of the ancient art. Hence Polynesian tattoos have garnered some serious attention from today’s generation.
What’s with Polynesian Tattoos?
Here is a brief history about Polynesian tattoos and how they came about.
Polynesia is a group of islands composed of The Cook Islands, Samoa, Easter Island, Tonga, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and many more which are scattered throughout the Pacific Ocean. The Polynesian islands had (and have) a solid grip of their native culture; hence the commencement of the art of tattooing.
The famous tribal tattoo designs of the present era can be traced back to the area of the Polynesian islands. In fact, the word “tattoo” originated from Polynesian word “tatao” which means to tap; while the Tahitian word “tatu” means to mark something.
The Polynesians would show off their works of art through body decorations. Tattooing became a means of expressing their native culture.
Polynesian tattoos are of two types – the Enata, and the Etua. The Enata Polynesian tattoos are natural designs to represent origins, life history, type of work, social level, and the like. So sailors would have a ship or anchor symbol as tattoo, and a fisherman would have something else related to his type of work. The Etua Polynesian tattoos, on the other hand, depict a strong spiritual or religious representation to the symbols. The emblem would illustrate tribal honor to a person or group of persons. The symbols would also suggest the gods’ fortification.
In today’s generation, the essence and significance of the Polynesian tattoos are no longer as strong and vital as in the past. The meaning has gradually died out because of slackness in culture preservation. However, in spite of the fading symbol essence, Polynesian tattoos are still popular today simply because of what they traditionally meant and symbolized for.
Popular designs
There are numerous Polynesian tattoo designs which have gained popularity even until now. Some of which are the tiki, the dolphin, the ray, the shark, the gecko, abstract symbolic designs, and so on. Tiki is a god and is popularly portrayed with his eyes closed. The natives believe that even without the tiki’s eyes, he can still sense danger. Polynesian tattoos with shark’s teeth symbolize protection; turtles represent long life and fertility; gecko depicts fear and awe.
With the various Polynesian tattoos available, choosing the best one is admittedly challenging. The tribal style Polynesian tattoos will absolutely captivate you whatever design it may be. With the whimsical and intricate abstract figures, you can never get bored taking your pick.
Since Polynesian tattoos are tribal tattoos, you can combine the elements of nature then be assured of a very wide variety of selection! You can consider wearing the moon, clouds, sun, and stars. Or you can go for the forces of nature such as water, fire, wind, and more.
Polynesian tattoos are also called Tahitian tattoos. Polynesian tattoos are common among the tribals of South Pacific region. These tattoos are worn for many different reasons. Today, they are a form of style among the urban people. But, among the tribals they are still very symbolic. Tattoos signify personal achievements in a tribe. The boys get their first tattoo when they attain puberty in some tribes. As they grow older, the number of tattoos keep on increasing on their body. Tattoos also signify the position in the tribe of the person. The leader of the tribe is generally known to have many tattoos on his body.
There are many types of Polynesian tribal tattoos. Enata designs signify the various developments in a person’s life. It signifies the contribution of the individual to the society. Etua is another type of tattoo design. These tattoos were meant to honor the people in the tribe for their achievements. They also are meant to protect the person from evil. These tattoos have spiritual and religious significance. The last are the Tiki tattoos. This consists of abstract designs like sharks, turtles, etc. So, here is a look at some of the Polynesian tattoo designs-
If you liked our selection, perhaps these other posts will interest you too, Tribal Heart Tattoos, Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos, Hawaiian Flower Tattoos and Irish Tattoos.
Polynesian Lizard Tattoo
Lizard is worshipped by polynesians as a symbol of supernatural powers. It is looked at by people with awe and fear.
Polynesian Hand Tattoo
You will find this tattoo on a soldier who has just been victorious in a war.
Polynesian Sleeve
This is a beautiful sleeve tattoo. This almost looks like a henna design.
Polynesian Nice Tattoo
The left arm tattoo signifies victory in a war. These tattoos were worn by soldiers.
Polynesian Style Tribal Tattoo
This tattoo is inked on the arm and part of the shoulder. The circle in the center represents long life.
Polynesian Tattoo
This tattoo is inked as a necklace around the neck. It has intricate design.
Polynesian On Waist
This is a beautiful tattoo inked on the waist. Polynesian tattoos are very symbolic.
Polynesian Tribal Tattoo
This person has inked the tattoo on his the left side of his chest and his entire left hand.
Polynesian Back Tattoo
This tattoo in inked on the back along the spine. It looks like the tatoo is telling a war story.
Tribal Polynesian Tattoo
This person has many tattoos on his body. The number tattoos increase with age in the polynesian tribes.
Shoulder Tattoo
This tattoo in inked on the shoulder by the person. The lower side of the tattoo represents shark teeth.
Polynesian Leg Piece
This tattoo represents face of tiki who is known to be a god. He is known to smell trouble with closed eyes.
Nice Polynesian Tattoo
This tattoo has shark teeth in it. Shark teeth denote protection.
Polynesian Tribal Freehand Tattoo
This tattoo has the face of Tiki in it. He is inked for a good omen against evil.
Full Sleeve Tattoo
Polynesian Tattoo For Respect
Full sleeve tattoos are common among celebrities today. They display these tattoos to connect to their fans.
Polynesian Sweet Tattoo
This tattoo almost looks like a scarf is wrapped around the person’s neck.
Nice Hand Tattoo
The parts in this tattoo look like the armoury used by warriors in ancient times.
Polynesian Tribal Heart
This is polynesian tribal art inked in the shape of a heart.
Tribal Hand Tattoo
This tattoo looks like stripes of designed cloth is wrapped around his arm.
Tribal Polynesian
This tattoo signifies of an important achievement in this person’s life. He has achieved a new social status as well.
Polynesian Faces Tattoo
Polynesian Tattoo Handbook 2 Pdf
This tattoo has many faces hidden in this tattoo. The tattoo is inked on the inner side of the wrist.
Very Nice Tribal Polynesian
This is a colored polynesian tattoo inked on the shoulder. Generally, Polynesian tattoos are known to be in black ink.
Old Tribal Tattoo
This tattoo signifies a rise in social ranking of the person. This is an old tribal tattoo.
Polynesian Shark
Sharks are sacred animals in polynesian. Shark tattoos are often inked for protection from enemies.
Polynesian Tattoo Handbook Vol 2 Pdf
Polynesian Design Tattoo
Polynesian Tattoo Shops
This is a simple polynesian design tattoo. It is inked on the shoulder.