Samoa tattoo meanings and overview
Samoan tattoos have many features, they are significantly different from ordinary tattoos. What is the meaning of Samoan body drawings, and what is their peculiarity, we will figure it out in this article.
Peculiarities
"Samoa" is a type of tattoo that originates in Polynesia. The main feature of the drawings, made in the Samoan style, is that they look as if they were carved from wood, which is achieved through a clear drawing of lines.
Nowadays, such tattoos are not that difficult to transfer to the skin. But in ancient times things were different. This process was incredibly painful for people and, by today's standards, even inhuman, because the pattern was applied to the skin not with the help of special tools, but with the use of sharp fangs and claws of wild animals or special scrapers.
The process of applying such an image to the body was a whole ritual, about the intricacies of which only the Samoans themselves were aware.
Each element of such a wearable image is distinguished by its uniqueness and originality. As a rule, such patterns are dominated by geometric shapes that are quite complex in execution. They are woven together, thus forming a single and interesting ornament. Triangles and shapes with sharp corners are very actively used in such drawings. But various curls, spirals and too large details in Samoan tattoos are almost completely absent. However, there are also exceptions.
The Samoan style is quite ancient. However, despite this, it practically did not undergo changes during its entire existence.This is due to the fact that the Samoans by all means tried to preserve the originality of their style, protecting it from the influence of other cultures.
As a rule, in such tattoos, every detail, every stroke and pattern is of great importance - not a single line was drawn purely for the sake of aesthetics. Often in such wearable drawings, a chronicle of a person's life, important events in his fate, his exploits in battles are presented - it is for this reason that images in this style direction most often occupy such a large area of the skin.
Today, such tattoos are still in demand among people. They can be applied purely for aesthetic reasons, or they can carry a certain message.
For the most part, such wearable designs symbolize for a person strength, power, courage, the ability to protect himself and his family, will, strong character, striving for his goals, for victory, confidence in himself and his strengths, as well as originality. However, in some cases, a tattoo can carry a different meaning. To do this, a person must contact a specialist in order to work with him on an individual drawing.
Despite the fact that Samoan tattoos are considered mostly for men, they can also be seen on the bodies of women.
Usually, the fair sex choose such drawings either because of their showiness, or because of their desire to emphasize their inner strength, independence from other people and circumstances.
Variants and sketches of tattoos
There are many different Samoan tattoo designs. One thing unites them - they are all drawn exclusively in black, other shades for such drawings are usually not used. In addition, it should be said that such an image is not easy to make intelligible by turning it, for example, into something that looks like an animal or a flower. However, in some cases, it can still work to see and depict specific images in such tattoos.
The drawings themselves may vary in their plot content. The meaning of the underwear picture also depends on them.
- So, often among the patterns you can see spears, arrows and other weapons, belonging to the number of primitives - they all symbolize militancy, the desire for victory.
- The image in such drawings is different tools of labor, for example, a hoe or an ax, denotes among the Samoans a person's occupation, and also demonstrates his skill and achievements in certain areas.
- Animals on such tattoos can also be seen often, although the fauna of the Samoan islands is not distinguished by its abundance. Often in such drawings you can see a lizard, which was considered a divine creation among the Samoans and symbolized a connection with another world. Turtles on such tattoos are also common. These animals in Samoan culture symbolize family, family, good health and long life.
- Shark on the body image indicates that its owner is distinguished by his strength, courage and bravery. He knows how to stand up for himself and for his family. This meaning of the tattoo is quite understandable, because the shark is considered one of the most dangerous inhabitants of the ocean. The ramp in such a picture will symbolize sanity, experience and love of freedom. The whale is a family bond, prosperity and abundance in the home. Dolphins - friendliness, positivity and sincerity.
- For the most part, all marine fish carry a positive message. But moray eel is an exception. According to the Samoans, this sea inhabitant means ailments, problems. Many consider her to be a guide for unclean forces and spirits.
- In some cases, in such tattoos you can see floristic elements, which at the present time is especially typical for female tattoos.
But most often, of course, such tattoos are dominated by beautiful, but at the same time more intricate patterns, the meaning of which will be understood only by the person himself wearing such an image on his body.
How to position on the body?
Samoan tattoos can be placed on any part of the body. The place for a tattoo is largely determined by its scale, as well as a person's preferences.
As a rule, Samoan tattoos differ in their dimensions, and therefore take up a large area of the skin. For this reason, they are often found all over the arm, back or chest. Medium-sized tattoos take up significantly less space - they are placed on the shoulder or forearm.
