Manu: (Panpolynesian) m. bird.
Manu is a common word in Polynesian languages to indicate birds. Some specific representations have different names based on their characteristics and particular meaning.
Birds are an ever present symbol in Polynesian tattoos, enjoying a prominent role in many traditions throughout the whole Pacific Ocean. They were crucial in navigation, with migratory routes inspiring oceanic exploration.
Birds and the Creation Myth
Birds are seen as messengers and emissaries of the gods, often having divine powers themselves. In Samoa, the golden plover is considered an ancestor of humans.
According to the Samoan myth, when the golden plover grew tired from flying over the newly created ocean, Tagaloa threw down rocks that became land. When the bird pecked a worm, breaking it into pieces, humans were born.
- The chevron pattern fa'avaetuli (like the plover's legs) represents ancestors.
- The zigzag symbol fa'aanufe (like the caterpillar) represents people.
a shows the fa'avaetuli motif and b shows two versions of the fa'aanufe motif.
Specific Bird Variants
Since the bird is common to all traditions, many different versions and specific motifs exist:
fa'agogo: (Samoa) m. tern.
The tern is a symbol of safe return as it never spends the night at sea. Arctic terns symbolize voyagers due to their long migrations.
manulua: (Samoa) m. two birds.
This symbol represents the union of two families, embodying blessing, prosperity, and protection.
opea: (Marquesas) m. bird.
In Marquesan tattoos, birds symbolize voyages and messengers from the gods, empowering the wearer with divine authority.
koa'e'ula: (Hawaii) m. red-tailed tropic bird.
This was a revered animal; its bright red feathers were reserved for the highest chiefs only, signifying royalty.
Compositions and Meanings
While a single bird can represent a traveller, freedom, and higher perspective, compositions of multiple birds convey complex meanings:
A group of birds with one in front (a) can symbolize a leader.
A different bird in front (b) can symbolize uniqueness and pride.
Chasing pigeons are symbolic of help and support always granted to dear ones, representing how a pigeon protects its fallen mate.
In Hawaii, dark lines called molina represent the flight of the albatross, which flies far from land for long periods before returning. This symbolizes long voyages, both physical and spiritual.
Usage Examples
Two chasing birds represent two people always supporting each other:
A row of birds can represent a long voyage:
A row of birds represents a voyage, with the one alone on top symbolizing a higher perspective reached:
Another example of chasing birds inside a hammerhead shark motif:
You can click on the photos to read the full description of each tattoo on TattooTribes.
