The Maori tattoo is a tribal tattoo that comes from the Polynesian Maori tribe. Moreover, the term tattoo or tattoo in French comes from the Polynesian tattoo which means to strike. Here is everything you need to know about the Maori tattoo and some inspirations!
Maori tattooing: its origins
The Maori people and their culture fascinate the world, this term refers to all indigenous populations when it should refer to the communities of New Zealand and the Cook Islands. In Polynesian society, tattooing is considered a symbol of power, a language that distinguishes certain people from society, but it is also a decoration in its own right.
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Tattoos also borrowed from the sacred, as they were thought to have magical powers inherited from God. It was a way to display one’s rank, social status, family history, geographical origin, energy, and even courage. It is a kind of identity card that includes information engraved on the body or face.
Tattooing is also a marker of social rites such as marriage or the passage from childhood to puberty. It can also inscribe on the skin the representation of important life events. It is considered a real tool of seduction.
The technique for making these tattoos is particular. The artists used pointed combs made of tortoiseshell, bone, or mother-of-pearl that they fixed on a wooden handle as well as a mallet. The teeth of the comb were then dipped in an ink made from charcoal diluted in water or oil.
The number of teeth was studied according to the design to be made, in general, it was between two and twelve. The designs were made on the skin with a stick of charcoal. The tattoo then gives rise to a real ceremony with flutes, drums, and conch horns. To pay for this tattoo, the family gave everything valuable they had. It is for this reason that tattoos were often reserved for the richest.
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Polynesian tattooing: its symbolism
In the Marquesas Islands, faces and bodies can be completely covered in tattoos, which is what distinguishes them from those of Tahiti and the Leeward Islands where the face is never tattooed. The symbols are most often linked to the spiritual or natural world that surrounds the Maori.
It includes living beings such as the lizard or the turtle, certain divinities, and the oceanic environment. It also includes geometric and abstract patterns, figurative animals, and plants.
Each pattern has a strong symbolism, such as:
- Shark teeth represent qualities like energy and leadership, but also flexibility or brutality.
- The data or human figures are generally linked to ancestors, relationships, and humanity.
- The ocean represents the movement of life and death. It is also a place of rest in the afterlife.
- The turtle evokes vitality, strength, and endurance, but also calm and immortality.
- The dolphin represents freedom since in Polynesian mythology it was the guide to the land that welcomed the Maoris and protected them from sharks. It is for this reason that its symbolism is linked to orientation and protection.
- As for lizards, they recall resistance in the face of adversity and a force that protects humans from evil.
Some ideas to inspire you
A tattoo with pretty, extremely fine designs.
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A full arm tattooed and why not? It’s perfect if you fully assume it.
The fish is emblematic of Polynesian tattoos, here it is a carp that adorns the back.
This discreet tattoo adorns your arm in a refined way.
A beautiful tattoo to enhance a pretty neck.
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This tattoo adorns the shoulder and half of the back.
The back is a real playground for tattoo artists.
A pretty tattoo on the stomach with patterns
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Ideal for staying discreet, a beautiful tattoo on the groin.
Foot tattoos are often popular with women.
A beautiful, discreet tattoo that takes place on a woman’s hand for a lot of effect without overdoing it.
This tattoo to be done behind the calf has the advantage of being able to be modified over time if you wish.
A tattoo representing making, creation, and creativity, perfect for those with an artistic streak.
This tattoo symbolizes wisdom, intuition, spirituality, and knowledge. However, facial tattoos remain difficult to assume.
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This tattoo evokes several symbols such as procreation, courage, but also energy, and independence.
This calf tattoo remains very elegant and it symbolizes advancement and transformation.
The lizard is an animal that is protective and is supposed to protect you from harm and disease.
Shark teeth represent power and security.
A popular tattoo that evokes the afterlife and the different movements of life.
The sun tattoo popular with the Maori evokes eternity.
The dolphin represents both freedom and protection.
The manta ray among the Maoris evokes wisdom, but also humility and freedom.
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The spearheads are reminiscent of courage and combat. Placed on the shoulder, it follows the gentle curves.
This artistic tattoo can be enlarged over the years.
A cute turtle tattoo for the back, thigh, or even the shoulder.
A pretty tattoo, all curves and finesse.
This tattoo on the shoulder can enhance this rounded part of the body.
Foot tattoos can be a good idea because they can be kept discreet if you want them to be.
The flower tattoo remains emblematic because it is linked to nature.
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A beautiful Polynesian tattoo inspired by plants.
