Thursday, November 18, 2010

Polynesian Tattoos - How To Design A Polynesian Tattoo

Polynesian style tattoos are powerful images that draw inspiration from the Polynesian islands. Their deep and rich history provides suitable inspiration for these types of tattoos. The Polynesian designs are similar to the tribal tattoos and are often compared to them. The difference lies in the use of figures between the two designs.

In the Polynesian Tattoos the bolder abstracts or specific figures that are representative of the various different types of totems are used. These totems are made based on the history of the islands. The general colour used while using these designs is black. The styles are ancient ones that have been used for a long time which can vary depending on the region of the world that make a significant impact on you or from which you can draw inspiration.

Every Polynesian island has its own symbolic significance. The first thing to do is to determine which island you wish to use for your tattoo. The options for your designs can be Samoan, Maori Marquesan, Hawaiian and Tahitian artwork which are worth considering. One can draw different styles taking inspiration from every island and different tattoo designers have their own opinions on them.

The Tiki God of the Polynesian Islands can be incorporated into most of your designs. He is according to legends, able to foresee any trouble before it occurs. He is often drawn with closed eyes. All Polynesian statues which have a human form is a tiki. One can opt for a realistic tiki or a customized one with a lot of stylish designs that are based on abstract or geometric patterns used in Polynesian designs.

The use of shells in the Polynesian Designs represent wealth. The shells were often used as currency in these 
islands and are considered symbolically important in order to bring wealth into one's homes.

The teeth of sharks are used in designs in order to protect oneself from the evil eye. The sharks are viewed as sacred creatures and the Polynesian people thought of them as protectors from enemies
Try getting a gecko as your tattoo which is a popular choice among the Polynesian tattoos. These creatures are supposed to have supernatural powers.