Turtle is one of the most important and popular element in Polynesian culture. It’s connected to many meanings and the most common ones are long life (eternity), wellness, fertility, union, family and harmony. It also symbolizes the navigator. Turtles are often designed with many complex patterns and symbols to express plenty of meanings.
8 * 8 cm
The sea is regarded as the source of food and Polynesian people believe that it’s also the world beyond, in which they will rest after death.
And because turtles can freely move between the sea and lands, Polynesian people believe that they will bring them to their destination, the rest place.
The Māori originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe trips. Over several centuries in isolation, the Polynesian settlers developed a unique culture that became known as the "Māori", with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts. They have a form of body art, known as "moko" but more commonly referred to as Maori tattooing. The art form was brought to the Maori from Polynesia and is considered highly sacred. Often the tattoos were a symbol of rank, social status, power and prestige. For Maori, tattooing is a rite of passage, which meant it was highly revered and ritualised. The tattooing would begin usually during adolescence.
Press off clear plastic sheet.
Press tattoo firmly onto clean, dry skin with design facing down.
Wet tattoo thoroughly.
Hold the wet tattoo in place for 30 seconds.
Slowly slide the paper off your skin.
To remove the tattoo, use baby oil.
