Tribal tattoos are very popular today. As its name suggests, its origin dates back to the indigenous tribes of the Bronze Age, about 5000 years ago. In fact, the word “tattoo” derives from the Polynesian word “tatau”.
All the people who live on the island of the Marquesas in Polynesia were tattooed. They considered tattooed symbols as a form of language. In this particular culture the images used to be inspired by animals.
The meanings are diverse, according to each tribe and their beliefs. In some societies, tribal tattoos mark the stages of life, such as birth, adulthood and death, in others they differentiate the members of the tribe according to social status.
Also the tattoos represented a certain protection against evil, it could be said that they used it as a symbol or a talisman, in other cases to enhance sexual attraction or be used in sacred rituals, among other things.
The main places on the body where tribal tattoos are made are the arm, leg, chest, shoulder, forearm, foot and hand.
Tribal tattoos and their spiritual meaning
Tribal tattoos weren't just physical adornment. It was also part of the spirituality of a tribe. There were three main factors that took the practice of tribal tattooing from being purely an art to also being a spiritual symbol: pain, permanence, and the loss of the source of life (blood).
This mystical trio turned tattooing from mere art and transformed it into an opportunity to draw people into a relationship with God.
Because the body and soul were generally thought to be identical to each other, his tattoos existed on both the physical and spiritual planes. Many of the tribes believed that tattoos would not only be enough to get them into the proper spirit world, but that their tattoos also offered them special qualifications for advantageous occupations upon arrival.
Tribal tattoos and their symbolic meaning
While modern tribal tattoos follow the same interlocking pattern, the traditional tribal tattoo was incredibly varied.
The variety of styles from tribe to tribe and culture to culture were necessary to serve their original purpose: to help give men and women a distinct physical appearance that could quickly and easily be associated with a specific tribe. These are some of them and their meaning.
Enata
Human figures, also known as enata in the Marquesan language, represent men, women, and sometimes gods. They can be placed within a tattoo to represent people and their relationships.
If placed face down, they can be used to represent defeated enemies, in their singular form.
In its patterned form, joined in a row simulating a group of people holding hands, they form the motif called ani ata, which translates as “cloudy sky”. A row of enata in a semicircular shape often represents the sky and the ancestors who protect their descendants.
Spearhead
Another classic symbol used to represent the warrior nature is the spear. Spearheads are also very symbolic in relation to sharp objects and can be used to represent the stinger of some animals.
Whole Ocean
It is one of the most important tribal tattoos since the ocean is a second home for Polynesians and the place of rest when they leave for their last voyage. Tribal tattoos of stylized ocean wave images can represent ideas like life, change, and continuity through change. The waves can also be used to represent the world beyond or the place where the deceased go to rest on their last journey.
tiky
One of the meanings of the word tiki is figure, so tiki is the name given to human-like figures that generally represent demigods that appear to men in the form of animals such as lizards.
The tiki can also represent ancestors, priests, and deified chiefs who became demigods after their deaths. They symbolize protection, fertility and serve as guardians.
Stylizing the figure over and over again, a simplified version has been reached, called “bright eye” where the eyes, nostrils and ears seem to be the prominent elements.
SeamTurtle
The tortoise or honu is another important creature in all Polynesian cultures and has been associated with various meanings. The first is the fact that turtles symbolize health, fertility, longevity in life, foundation, peace and rest.
The word hono, which means turtle in the Marquesan language, has other meanings that encompass things like uniting and uniting families and representing the idea of unity.
Lizard
Lizards and geckos play an important role in Polynesian myth. The gods (atua) and lesser spirits often appeared to men in the form of lizards and this may explain why the stylized element used to represent the lizard is very similar to the stylized symbol used to represent man.
Lizards are very powerful creatures that bring good luckThey communicate between humans and gods and can access the invisible world. On the other hand, they can also bring death and bad omens to disrespectful people.
Mantra ray
Tribal stingray tattoos can be done in many variations and styles, and have many symbolic meanings. The manta ray has the ability to hide in underwater sands, mainly from sharks, and is able to cover itself with sand and remain still.
Most sharks can sense their prey in the sand based on movement, but for the most part, she is capable of hiding and for this reason, his image is classified as a symbol of protection. Other themes that go hand in hand with the image of the manta ray are adaptation, grace, tranquility, danger, agility, speed, and stealth.
Should you get tribal tattoos?
For anyone just starting out on the tattoo journey, this style is often featured significantly. There are so many designs that choosing one can be difficult. If you are thinking of getting one or more, you should consider the following points:
- Esthetic: If you want a minimal tattoo with a monochromatic look, then tribal tattoos are ideal. Tribal tattoos are usually inked in black or very dark blue with no other colors present. The designs can vary from simple to very complex, but in all cases they are eye-catching.
- Culture Significance: It is important to note that tribal tattoos have great cultural significance for many people. If you are from a culture where tattooing was practiced at some point in the past, a modern tribal tattoo can help you express your ties to the past and your ancient practices.
The decision to get a tattoo is yours, but tribal tattoos have a great sense of connection with the ancestors, with the spirit of warriors and with magic. They are a great choice!!