Tribal Art Tattoos and Their Polynesian Roots

It is strongly believed that tattoos have signified membership in a clan or a tribe. Even today there are gangs and societies that tattoo their particular group symbol. Yet, the modern artists have created the tribal art tattoos that have not so much to do with tribes, but with fashion.

Generally, a tribal art tattoo is chosen to highlight a personal belief. The tribal tattoos have developed into an art due to their meaningful symbolistic. But to understand tribal tattoos and their hidden meanings, one has to understand the cultures influencing this art.

Ancient Cultures and Their Influence on Tattoo Art

It is hard to summarize in a few words the history of tribal tattooing, but some interesting facts are worth to note. In Polynesia tattooing was a respected tradition. The Polynesian culture had no writing, so tattooing was more or less an art used to indicate one's social hierarchy and to illustrate personal traits such as sexual maturity. Even the word "tattoo" is derived from the Polynesian "tatao" (to tap) and the Tahitian "tatu" (to mark).

Nearly everyone in the Tahitian society wore such marks and for women this was a social obligation. Young girls were tattooed as they reached puberty or sexual maturity. Men were also tattooed but this practice was not common as for women.

The Marquesan tattoos are believed to have Polynesian origins, but they evolved differently in the Marquesas Islands. The tattoos indicated the role and position of the bearer in the tribe and his personal achievements. For this society tattoos were sacred and the Marquesans used also to believe that such a symbol could offer protection against evil forces.

There are many other cultures that influenced the art of tattooing. Today tribal designs include styles from all over the world: Indian, African, Egyptian, Maori, Celtic, Aztec, Chinese and much more.

 

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