What does enata mean?
“Enata” is a typical motif in Polynesian tattoo designs to symbolize humans and gods. It originates from Marquesas language. It’s commonly used for representing life experiences, birth, rank in society, etc. It can be also used by combination to represent relationships, such as marriage, family, relatives and friends.
What is a Poly tattoo?
It was in Tonga and Samoa that the Polynesian tattoo developed into a highly refined art. Tongan warriors were tattooed form the waist to the knees with a series of geometrical patterns, mostly consisting of repeated triangle motifs, bands and also areas of solid black.
Do Polynesian tattoos have meaning?
Polynesian Tattoos as a Sign of Rank There are many different rules about this depending on the culture, however, the Polynesians do share the commonality that tattoos often have the purpose of establishing meaning to society.
What do Hawaiian tribal tattoos mean?
Kakau is the name of the traditional tattoo art of the Hawaiian Islands. This traditional style represents protection, war hula, and honoring the Gods. It is also a representation of your family ancestors and honors their traditions and values.
What do triangles mean in Hawaiian tattoos?
You will also notice that we have symbols of stacked triangles. When triangles are assorted this way they represent the spear. The spear is significant in ancient Hawaii because it represents both life and death. A spear represents life in that it is used to hunt, both on land and in the sea.
What does Lauhala tattoo mean?
Lauhala (mats woven from dried pandanus leaves): Lauhala is a very popular motif, indicating family, the generations in the family, the extended family, the connections to people we meet.
What is the Hawaiian symbol for strength?
Based on their characteristics and on myths and legends, sharks (and therefore the shark teeth motifs used to represent them) are symbolic of strength, guile, protection and guidance. Triangles are an ubiquitous element in Polynesian art and the simplest, most common way to represent shark teeth.