Tribal tattoos are a big trend all over the world. Modern tribal ink is inspired by traditional Polynesian tattoo art, but tribal art itself has existed in every part of the world for as long as tattooing has been around.
In the Polynesian tatau, each symbol and even the placement of the tattoo is important, as it all has meaning and significance for the wearer and their community.
Traditional Polynesian Tatau
Traditional tatau was done using handmade tools. The process took weeks, sometimes even years, and was extremely painful. Men that endured the long process and acquired their pe’a, the traditional male tatau, were respected for their courage, while women with malu, the traditional female tatau, were seen as protectors of the village.
The Significance of a Polynesian Tatau
Traditional tatau are reserved for Polynesian people because of how significant they are to these cultures. Each tatau symbolizes a deep connection to one’s roots, family, and ancestors, and tells the wearer’s story through art.
Modern Polynesian Tatau
Today, tatau is done using modern tools but many patterns from traditional tatau are still used due to the deep meaning they hold for Polynesian people. Getting a tattoo that blends traditional and modern elements is not uncommon these days.
From Polynesia to the Rest of the World!
So how did this deeply sacred art travel across the world? We have sailors to thank for that! After all, it was their love for getting inked in all the styles they encountered on their travels that brought so many different styles of tattooing to the rest of the world!
Modern sailor and nautical tattoos continue to use the tribal style in their designs, particularly in the use of bold black designs for nautical themes.
Asian Tribal Tattoos
Asia has its own unique history of tribal tattooing. After a long period of suppression from colonizers and missionaries, many of the Asian tattoo art forms have seen a revival in recent times.
Traditional Tribal Tattoos
Tribal tattoos in Asia used symbolism, nature, and geometric patterns in their designs, which they often replicated in their embroidery.
Modern Tribal Tattoos
Contemporary tattooing in Asia draws on various styles including local and Polynesian tribal art, resulting in a unique art form that reflects the diversity of these regions.
Tribal-Inspired Styles
There are now many tattoo designs that are inspired by tribal art, and some even blend multiple styles to create something entirely unique. Two of the most popular ones are blackwork and animal tattoos.
Blackwork
Blackwork tattoos are usually larger pieces featuring geometric or abstract patterns made with blocks of black ink. This style is heavily inspired by Polynesian tattoos. The more minimalistic armband is an extremely popular choice.
Blackwork sometimes includes distinctly Polynesian patterns.
Animal Tattoos
Animal tattoos are a favourite across the tattoo community. Tribes from all over the world have been using animals in their designs for as long as they have been tattooing.
For Polynesians, turtles and turtle shells feature prominently in a lot of their tattoos. Even the tools for traditional tatau include turtle shells!
Turtles represent a strong connection to both nature as well as yourself and your path. In Polynesian tattoos, the turtle can represent many things including health, fertility, peace, and rest, and is sometimes associated with being a guide that helps departed souls find their destination.
Over time, animal tattoos have evolved into an art form of their own with tattoo artists drawing from multiple styles in each piece. But the distinctive bold black ink that comes from tribal art continues to be visible in many animal tattoos.
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