Samoan Fish Tattoo
Matau fish hook.
Samoan fish tattoo. Throughout samoan history tatau tattoo seems to epitomize the importance of the dressed samoan body. However tattoo has also proven to be fluid and dynamic continually defying one dimensional definitions and singular meaning throughout its history. We will work together creating the best custom polynesian tattoo. Aug 26 2020 explore nancy demello s board polynesian tattoo ideas followed by 172 people on pinterest.
The tattoo artist held a hereditary and by the same vein a very highly privileged position. See more ideas about polynesian tattoo maori tattoo tribal tattoos. Polynesian tattoo symbols explained. Before to start your design you can find here what is the meaning of the most popular polynesian symbols and elements.
Samoan tattoos or tatau are part of a rich historical tradition but they have also become popular in recent years as a tattoo choice for people from different cultures all over the world. Mātau in samoan and makau in hawaiian all refer to a hook usually a fish hook which was a very important asset for people living on such a rich ocean as the pacific one was. The tortoise shell symbolizes longevity well being fertility and peace. He usually tattooed groups of six to eight usually men during a ceremony attended by friends and relatives.
These geometric designs carry symbolic meaning for the samoan people and can be used to visually represent values of personal significance. Each symbol has its own meaning. Likewise all patterns in a polynesian tattoo mean something or the other that is a part of the traditions belief. Shells and sea shells symbolize in a wider sense protection a shield and intimacy.
Shellfish and shells are a recurring feature of polynesian tattoos and in particular the turtle shell a very important animal in polynesian culture. The samoan warrior s tattoo began at the waist and extended to just below the knee. Maori marquesan tahitian hook. These body covering types of tattoos is meant to.
The pattern made in the circular limits are symbolizing waves of the ocean the upper round in the circle consists of shark teeth pattern. Download the quick reference cheatsheet. Bonitos belong to the tuna family and they are an important resource that still plays the lion s share in many traditional polynesian dishes. This is a simple and sober design among the samoan tattoos.
The traditional tattoo motif representing their tail with the characteristic rows of triangles closely recalls the shark teeth motif and it s used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Simple samoan tattoo on back. When covered from waist to knees or lower thighs the tattoo is referred to as pe a and is a measure of strength and endurance as it takes hundreds of hours to complete. Tattoo is after all unique in its permanency as the inked designs fuse with the body.