With summer here, the warm weather brings about a whole new energy. We wear less clothing and show off our bodies. Body art is a statement. A tattoo is a piece of art that will last forever. With so many choices and styles how does one choose the right tattoo? Hawaiian tribal tattoos have been around for centuries. There is a rich symbolism and history attached to the tattoo in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. History teaches us that Hawaiian tribal tattoos were a way of showing status and position amongst the tribes. Which family you were a member was conveyed in various symbols on your body. As there was no written language the Hawaiian tribal tattoo was a way for many to see your identification.
The original method for applying a Hawaiian tribal tattoo was with a tool that looked like a comb with needles made from bone, attached to a handle of wood or bone. These needles would be dipped in an ink mixture and placed against the area to be tattooed. Another piece of bone would be hammered and tapped against the back of the comb, breaking the skin and injecting the ink. This would be repeated over and over and over until the desired patterns were achieved. It was painful and time consuming. The inks were made from coconut oils, water and soot. Modern tattoo artists have the advantages of their electric needles and pattern transfers; however there are a handful of artists who still practice the Polynesian art of Hawaiian tribal tattooing in its original bone comb application.
Legs And Arms
Very popular locations and trends today are to get Hawaiian tribal tattoos on your legs or arms. Tribal sleeve tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, as to are tribal arm bands. Tattoos on the calves and shins are becoming increasingly more popular. The attraction of Hawaiian tribal tattoos is that there does not have to be any discerning or trendy pattern. Large black areas and large bands of black in various patterns is all that is necessary. It becomes a statement of individuality. No colors, unique, not of a book or pattern but of a desire to fulfill your tribal need at the time you get the tattoo.
Hawaiian tribal tattoos are very unique and popular and can be quite a refreshing change in the world of koi tattoos and roses. The Polynesians used Hawaiian tribal tattoos to stake their identities onto their bodies, we can do the same even in today’s modern world.