Polynesian Tattoos - All You Need To Know!

1. Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok

2. Tattoos Were an Important Part of Polynesian Culture The South Pacific Islands and the Polynesian culture have had a significant impact on the history of tattoos The word “tattoo” itself comes from the Tahitian word “tautau” which was said to be the sound made by the ancient instruments used to create these elaborate designs that were tapped into the skin If you’re looking to become a warrior of the tattoo world with an intricate Polynesian design, ALL DAY Tattoo in Bangkok has artists who specialize in this ancient art form

3. Tattoos Were an Important Part of Polynesian Culture Polynesian tattoos are an ancient art that dates back over 2000 years ago It is an integral part of Polynesian culture and society that has evolved over thousands of years to become the complex art form it is today These designs were not meant to be aesthetically pleasing but used as a form of identification to describe an individual’s history and life story These intricate tattoos unveiled the story of where you came from, what village you were born in, your social status and standing in society, your accomplishments and rank as a warrior, weapons mastered and who your ancestors were The shapes and elements placed on specific positions of the body combined to complete a story with deep meaning

4. Tattoos Were an Important Part of Polynesian Culture Tattooing is a sacred tradition passed down from father to son through one generation to the next Polynesian people were expert ocean navigators, fearsome warriors, and tremendous storytellers These designs represented their lifestyle, travels, and elements they encountered in their daily lives Tattoos were often a sign of great wealth with chiefs and warriors wearing the most elaborate designs These amazing pieces of art were not just reserved for men, women were allowed to have tattoos as well The word for female tattoos was “malu”, which means to be protected Women were limited to delicate designs on the lower body, hands, feet, lips, and ears only These ceremonial tattoos were allowed to commence at adolescence and signified sexual maturity Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok 4

5. Polynesian Tattoo Mythology The Polynesian people believe that humans learned tattooing from the sons of the God of Creation “Ta’aroa” These designs were used to guard a person’s health and spiritual well-being They harnessed spiritual power and supernatural protection and were believed to display an individual’s life force called “mana” These tattoos were originally only done by highly skilled shaman who performed intense ceremonies lasting days prior to conducting any inking of the skin The person receiving the tattoo would also have to adhere to strict ceremonial stipulations before getting tattooed Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok 5

6. Polynesian Tattoo Mythology They were required to go through an extended period of fasting and cleansing including celibacy and abstinence Refraining from any contact with a woman prior to the tattooing Sometimes the shaman and individual would be sequestered for up to 2 weeks in preparation for the actual tattoo itself At which time, the elders would chant and sing in support of the person getting tattooed This painful process was said to honor the ancestors and the ability to endure pain was symbolic of a fierce warrior

7. Tools of the Trade These hand-tapped Polynesian tattoos were known as “uhi” Performed by tattoo masters called “tufuga” Made with homemade ink called “pa’u”, which consisted of soot from kukui nuts mixed with sugarcane juice The ink was punctured into the skin using a tool called a “moli”, a flat chisel like instrument Fashioned from shark’s teeth, fish bones, bird claws, beaks or other bone filed to a sharp point This piece which looked similar to a comb, would then be attached to a long wooden handle and hit with a small mallet to strike the comb into the skin This process was extremely painful, sometimes lasting for days on end and required two people, one to stretch the skin and one to tattoo Tattoo masters memorized the meaning of each significant motif and symbol combining them to make unique designs and one of a kind skin stories Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok 7

8. Polynesian Tattoo Design Elements and Their Meanings The tattoo style and elements varied from island to island and tribe to tribe The designs consisted of geometric shapes and repeating symmetrical patterns that were specific to each tribe and island Some common design motifs were of geckos, sharks, sea turtles, sea urchins, mantas, and other sea creatures Tattoo symbols were based on the four elements of; ocean, earth, wind and fire The different symbols related to each element There were also sacred ceremonies performed for each element Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok 8

9. Polynesian Tattoo Design Elements and Their Meanings Here of some of the most popular elements and the meaning behind them: • Turtle – fertility • Dolphin – wisdom • Tiki – protection • Shark Tooth – courage in battle • Spearhead – strength and power • Geckos – good luck Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok 9

10. Polynesian Tattoo Design Elements and Their Meanings Hawaiians covered their bodies head to toe in tattoos and believed this made them more fearsome in battle Warriors also believed that these designs made them more attractive to the opposite sex because they were symbols of strength and virility If you are looking for an inspirational tattoo that has a story behind it, then Polynesian designs are a perfect choice for you With thousands of years of ancient history and meaning you can’t go wrong with one of these magnificent masterpieces

11. Bangkok’s Polynesian Tattoo Professionals The artists at ALL DAY Tattoo studio in Bangkok are ready to ink that perfect Polynesian piece that will tell your story through this ancient art form These types of designs are quite tricky to execute as often some of the design has to be done by “freehand” to ensure that this design flows perfectly with the shape of the body

12. Bangkok’s Polynesian Tattoo Professionals In many cases a Polynesian tattoo design requires a combination of stencilling or freehanding the design, although certain designs may be done entirely by one method or the other This type of design requires great precision and can only be pulled off by the most highly seasoned of artists The artists at ALL DAY Tattoo are at the top of the game when it comes to Polynesian tattoos This process means that your tattoo will be yours and yours alone Your Polynesian tattoo from the ALL DAY Tattoo studio will be a masterpiece! Polynesian Tattoos Bangkok 12