Polynesian body art-
In Polynesian tattoo designs, the sun often goes with other symbols to express specific meanings. Many rounded Polynesian tattoo designs include the sun’s meanings. In Polynesian culture the sun often stands for riches, brilliance, grandness and leadership. Tiki tattoo designs symbolize protection. Tiki plays a very important role in Polynesian culture. Tiki’s organs are often separately drawn to represent different meanings. Nose symbols mean sniffing danger before it’s coming. Tiki’s eyes, nose, mouth and side faces are all important design elements and most Polynesian tattoo designs contain one or more tiki symbols.
Turtle shells symbolize longevity, wellness, fertility and peace. Sea shells often symbolize shield, protection and intimacy. Bivalve shells symbolize couples and marriage. Compared to other Polynesian symbols, seashells are not commonly seen in many tattoo designs. Marquesan cross is another symbol which is quite popular and widely used in many Polynesian tattoo designs. It’s often placed to symbolize balance between elements and harmony. Its origin is unknown but some archeological study shows that it’s connected to turtle shell. In Maori branch of Polynesian culture, lizard are used for guarding evils and illness.
Polynesian people regard the ocean as their final destination where they go when passed away. So sometimes the ocean is a symbol of death, or the world beyond. Besides, the ocean is also regarded as their source of food and can represent life, fertility and persistence. Ocean waves are used to represent the other world beyond too, which is a homeland where all ancestors live, where they’ll eventually be.
Shark teeth usually represents shelter or coverage, guidance, power, ferocity, adaptability, etc. In Polynesian legend, sharks also represent the god of Polynesian people. Spearheads are designed to express courage and fight. It’s also used to represent warrior, sharp items, and sting of animals and rays. Spear heads are usually used in combination with other symbols to express certain meanings. For example, one line of spear heads and one line of enatas upside down along its side can express the meaning of defeating enemies.
“Enata” is a typical motif in Polynesian tattoo designs to symbolize humans and gods. It originates from Marquesas language. It’s commonly used for representing life experiences, birth, rank in society, etc. It can be also used by combination to represent relationships, such as marriage, family, relatives and friends. Actions can be also represented, some examples are, a combination of enatas and a creature means defending this dangerous creature.
location/people-
History-
The first settlement of the Polynesian was 2,830-2,846 years ago in Tonga. Many of these people live in different parts in the world for example, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Australia and near the South pacific ocean.Over the span of 800 years, Polynesians explored 16 million square miles of ocean. There are about 70% of people who live in Hawaii that are Polynesian. Many of these people came from many parts of the world. There have been conflicts between some groups but this culture fascinating.
Video-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIYDXjJUV-U&list=PLts1gUrE-lPQnOjjcGXrDR0xBs-hfkQhttps - A man climbing a tree and that's their culture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maCEWkZteUo
-It is a traditional dance the Polynesians do before they play a game to intimidate their opponents.
- Important people/ Dates-
- The European Explorers were the first people who encountered the Polynesians. They settled in Hawaii 300-600 AD in the island circa.
- Second wave of Polynesians came in 100-1300 AD.
- James Cook settle -1848
- Mormon missionaries come to work with the polynesians in Tahiti-1844