Maori and Islander tattoos
Maori tattoos have their origin in the tribes of Polynesia, having great historical, cultural and artistic significance.
For the Polynesians, tattoos were more than art, being a way of life. The symbols on the skin signified family history, transition from childhood to adulthood and spiritual beliefs.
Maori tattoos are one of the most popular tribal tattoos, as it is a style that looks amazing on the sleeves, shoulders and chest, in addition to its great symbolic strength.
Learn about island tattoos
The word “Polynesia” comes from Greek and means multiple islands. Maori tattoos originate in Polynesia, the set of islands in the Pacific Ocean, being those comprised in the triangle formed by New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands and Easter Island.
La Polinesia es referencia de clanes antiguos, cada uno con creencias y hábitos propios, aunque con algunas tradiciones similares, como el tatuaje y su enorme significado cultural e histórico.
Thus, it is common that the tattoo represented the beliefs of great spirituality and traditions that exalt the origin of the family and the honor and strength of the warriors. Although these are frequent symbolisms in island tattoos, the truth is that each clan used this mode of expression for different purposes and variety of representations.
Tattoos for Polynesians are more than an expression of art, it is a way to represent their origins, their honor and courage. They were even symbols of protection against certain evils. Island tattooing was rooted in the culture and way of life of the Polynesians.
Type of island tattoo
- “Enata means human being.” Enata tattoos represent life, birth, family and friendship.
- Etua tattoos have a religious meaning, representing the protection of the gods and magical rituals.
- The Maori tattoo is more related to talent and self-improvement.
Maori tattoo style
Maori tattoos have particular meanings depending on the type and the area of the body where they are tattooed.
- The tattoos located on the shoulders and upper arms show strength and bravery, related to ancient Polynesian warriors.
- Tattoos that are performed on the shoulders, upper chest are associated with joy, sincerity and honor. Because a tattoo close to the heart symbolizes kindness and is linked to the nobility of the soul.
- The tattoos found on the lower arms and hands symbolize creativity, obtaining their meaning because we create and work with our hands.
- When tattoos are located on the lower part of the trunk, near the reproductive system, they take on a meaning associated with fertility and energy.
Maori Tattoos Themes
Maori tattoos recurrently use symbols associated with the sea and the land.
Maori sea tattoos.
The tribes of Polynesia are strongly linked to the ocean, their way of life and their traditions take great strength from their daily interactions with the sea.
Thus, tattoos commonly use marine symbols.
- Tattoos of marine animals that are associated with abundance.
- Snail shell tattoos signifying prosperity.
- Triangles with shark teeth “niho mano” signifying protection and strength.
- The whale tail symbolizing the sense of orientation and protection. It is also associated with strength.
- Whale’s teeth “taratarekae” have a complementary meaning, the duality of strength and sensitivity that a person possesses within.
- The scales of the fish “unaunahi” take on the meaning of abundance and health.
- Turtles have great spiritual significance. The land and the sea are the halves of the world, and the turtle can live in both. Thus, just as it can pass from sea to land, it is believed that it can move between the world of the living and the dead and guide the spirits along their final journey to their resting place.
- The “hei matau” hook is linked to prosperity, determination, strength and health. But it was also used as an amulet for sailors embarking on their voyages.
- The stars are linked to love for the family.
- The ocean takes on meanings related to the afterlife.
Maori earth tattoos
- The “honu” turtle has great significance for Polynesian tribes, being a very important creature in their culture for representing longevity, patience, peace and rest. It is also linked to the family.
- Lizards are feared in Polynesian culture and are associated with bad luck and disease. This is related to the superstition that it was a bad omen to “see a green lizard laugh”. But the truth is that, just as they were feared, they were also considered to have supernatural powers, like the gecko that is capable of warding off evil spirits.
- The “pakati” lagarts signify courage and strength, the battle capacity and the warrior soul.
- Birds represent freedom, but they acquire a spiritual meaning, as it is also the ability to rise above the earthly and see the world from another perspective. They are even considered messengers of the “atua” gods.
- Flowers are associated with beauty, passion and sensuality.
- The “koru” fern leaves signify a new beginning and harmony.
- Sometimes arrows and spears are tattooed to symbolize wisdom, strength and courage.
Maori god tattoos
- Tiki is the name assigned to human figures representing demigods.
- Atua are the gods that appear to men usually in the form of animals.
- The Hei Tiki god is known as a good luck charm and fertility symbol. It is also associated with protection and guardian.
- Manaia, a Maori figure with the body of a man, the head of a bird and the tail of a fish, who has supernatural powers and is a spiritual guardian.
Symbols in Maori tattoos
- The sun represents leadership and success.
- Marquise cross represents the harmony and balance of the four elements, earth, water, fire and air.
- Tattoos in the form of twists have a variety of meanings depending on the number of twists. For example, the infinity-like symbol represents eternity. Doubles or triples signify the eternal union of two people.
- The “pirokua” knots or braids signify friendship and loyalty. Double or triple knots signify the eternal union of two people. If the tattoo has two knots it is linked to the couple and three knots it speaks of the family.
Maori Tattoos in Circe Tattoo
If you like Maori tattoos in Circe Tattoo we have artists specialized in this style. Contact us.
