Polynesian Tattoos

Marquesan tattoo symbols and their meanings

I (Lynne) had never before contemplated getting a tattoo, but when I saw some of the Marquesan designs on tattoos fellow yachties were having done in the Marquesas, I changed my mind. They were so intricate and classy. Each tattoo is unique as it is tailor made to tell your story.
In Polynesian culture, tattoos are a way of showing everyone how you feel. You can show demons that you have been wrestling with or explain the respect and joy you have about a particular subject. Each tattoo has different symbols in them, and each of these represents something. 

I was concerned that getting a Polynesian tattoo might be seen as disrespectful to Polynesian people but I was told that as long as I didn't copy someone else's tattoo, thereby stealing their own story, I would be okay. Creating a Polynesian tattoo that tells your own story and being able to say what it represents, shows that you acknowledge and respect the importance of such a tattoo and therefore is not seen as disrespectful.

The placement of a tattoo on a body also signifies meaning. The body is the link between Rangi (heaven) and Papa (earth). According to legend, the two were once united and man's quest is to reunite them again. The upper body is associated with heaven and the spiritual world, and the lower body represents the earth and our physical world. The back of the body is associated with the past, and the front of the body with the future. The legs and feet represent moving forward, transformation and progress. They are also related to separation and choice. The feet, being related with Papa, Mother Nature, are also related to concreteness and material matters. Gender-wise, left is usually associated with women and the right to men. Joints often represent contact. Ankles and wrists represent a tie and tattoos placed here symbolise committment.

My reason for deciding to have a tattoo done in Tahiti was because I wanted to celebrate turning 50 and crossing the Equator. In sailing terms, crossing the Equator for the first time meant I went from being a Pollywog to a Shellback. My interpretation of 'Shellback' is 'turtle', so I wanted my tattoo to incorporate a turtle in the design. I wanted a turtle riding a wave as turtles ride the oceans currents, much like we do on Azzy. We found a tattoo shop called NK Tattoo and my tattoo artist was called Steeve Faa'ra. Despite him not speaking fluent English, he understood what I was looking for and proceeded to draw a design freehand, directly onto my skin. I gave him free reign in the design. Once he had finished drawing the design in pen, I was taken to a mirror to see it in full detail. I was overjoyed as it was exactly what I had hoped it would be, and more. I made no changes to the design and soon Steeve was tattooing over it, the whole process taking just over an hour to complete. I'm not going to lie. It did hurt quite a lot at times as I was being inked, but I couldn't give up half way through! I'm so happy with the end result. 










Below is a description of the images and motifs within the tattoo, and their meanings.

Water/Ocean

'Vai' (water) is a constant presence in the life of peoples from the islands and the Pacific Ocean was a particularly rich one, which granted life to those who turned to it for food. 'Moana' (the ocean) is second home to the Polynesian people and the place of rest when they leave for their last voyage. They perceive turtles as the creature that will guide them to the sea, since it moves between the land and the sea. So sometimes, the ocean can be used to represent death and the beyond. As the ocean is the primary source of food for the Polynesian people, it is no wonder it impacts so much tradition and myth. All the creatures living in the ocean are associated with several different meanings, usually mutated from their characteristic traits and habits. The ocean and the sea are represented by waves. 

Waves

Waves, as a symbol of water and the ocean, can represent change and continuity through change (like waves, which are never the same, and yet never stop washing the shore rhythmically). Waves are used to represent the 'world beyond' or the place where the departed go and rest on their final voyage. 




Turtle

The turtle or 'honu' is an important creature throughout all Polynesian cultures and has been associated with several meanings. The first being that turtles symbolise health, fertility, longevity in life, foundation, peace and rest. The word 'hono', meaning turtle in the Marquesan language has other meaning which encompasses things such as joining and stitching together families, and representing the idea of unity.

Marquesan Cross

You will see the pattern on the turtle shell is the Marquesan cross. This is a symbol of harmony and balance among elements. The Marquesan cross was derived from turtles.

Fish hook

'Matau' is the Marquesan word for hook. The forward flippers of the turtle in my design show fish hooks. Having a fish hook meant you are able to tap into the seemingly endless source of food in the ocean, so the most common meaning for this tool is prosperity and abundance.

Seashells

'Pupu' in Marquesian, seashells were an important source of food in ancient Polynesian cultures, much appreciated for their meat and the beauty of their shell. They too are a symbol of prosperity and abundance, and can also symbolise intimacy and protection. 

Shark Teeth

Sharks are considered as gods in Polynesian lore as they are fearless hunters, powerful creatures that dominate the oceans. Based on their characteristics and on myths and legends, sharks (and therefore the shark teeth motifs used to represent them) are symbolic of strength, guile, courage, protection and guidance. Shark teeth or 'niho peata' in Marquesan consists of a pattern of triangles that represent the shark teeth. They are also symbols of adaptability. Sea-faring Polynesians wear the shark teeth tattoo as they believe it will protect them from shark attacks when at sea.

Enata

Enata is the general word used to indicate the Marquesan symbols representing men, women and sometimes gods. They can be placed within a tattoo to represent people and their relations.

Tiki

'Tiki' is the word used in Polynesia to indicate a figure or image. It is represented by a human figure with marked traits: big eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Tiki eyes are often depicted closed, but nostrils are always open. This stems from the belief that tiki could smell dangers even before seeing them. Tiki hands are usually depicted with three fingers. They are used to symbolise protection and fertility.



Tiki eyes


Tiki hands



The above are just some of the symbols incorporated into my tattoo. Being a sailor and having a love for the water, I felt they were perfect for telling my story and I'm so pleased with it.