However, the European navigators showed little interest due to the lack of valuable resources.Ĭaptain James Cook (as mentioned in our comprehensive guide to Maori tattooing) was the first navigator trying to explore the aforementioned Polynesian triangle. The Polynesian islands that were first first visited were the Marquesas Islands, which were found by European explorers and the Spanish navigator, Alvaro de Mendana de Neira, in 1595. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchical society as well as sexual maturity, genealogy and ones rank within the society.
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Historically there was no writing in Polynesian culture so the Polynesian’s used tattoo art that was full of distinctive signs to express their identity and personality. These words are rather similar and this reflects how closely related Polynesian cultures are with the ocean, as they believe that the ocean guarantees life. Moana (ocean) and mana (spiritual force and energy) are two terms that transcend all Polynesian cultures. There are some words, which are basically the same throughout all Polynesian languages, reflecting the deepest core of all Polynesian cultures. However, Polynesian languages may actually vary slightly from each other, and in some cases they actually differ quite significantly. The people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs. Southeast Asia and in turn, Polynesia are sub-regions of Oceania, comprising of a large grouping of over 1000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean, within a triangle that encompasses New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island as it’s corners.
All of these tribes are genetically linked to the indigenous peoples from parts of Southeast Asia. One thing that is certain is that the term Polynesian or Polynesia incorporates many tribes including Marquesans, Samoans, Niueans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, Hawaiians, Tahitians and Maori. There is still debate over the definitive origins of Polynesian culture and that transfers also, to the notion of tattooing. Source: The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook The origins of Polynesian society This article will give you an in-depth look into Polynesian Tattoo Art
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