What are traditional Fijian tattoos called?

Veiqia is a traditional form of tattooing that was exclusive to women in Fiji. Typically, once young women had passed the age of puberty, they would receive veiqia, often in the groin and on the buttocks – areas that would normally be covered by a liku (fringed skirt), but also close to the mouth.

What was the significance of tattoos in Oceania?

As in other parts of Oceania, tattooing rituals in the Marshall Islands were collective occasions and often focused spiritual power on persons of high status. For commoners, most tattooing was out of reach because the costs were extremely high.

What does Turtle mean in Fiji?

fertility, wellness
In Fijian mysticism, turtles symbolize fertility, wellness and protection. The shell is a symbol of heaven, and the underside a symbol of earth. And because they travel between the sea and the land, turtles are believed to transport the soul to Nirvana.

What does Karua mean in Fijian?

second wife
Similarly, a female refers to her male cross cousin’s wife as “karua”, which means second wife.

What tattoo does the Rock have?

A) He has a tattoo of coconut leaves which symbolises the head Samoan warrior. B) Near his neck, there is a tattoo of The Sun, which is worshipped in Samoan culture as a sign of good fortune.

What does a triangle mean for tattoo?

For starters, it is connected to the number three which, in many cultures, represents balance and true wisdom. It can symbolize time, and getting a tattoo of a triangle means that you are the product of your past, present and future. A triangle can represent three traits or values you love.

What does a stingray tattoo mean?

Meaning: Adaptation The stingray adapts well to the environment and what is happening around it, avoiding danger and catching food at the same time. It is related to this symbolism and can be chosen as a tattoo that represents a person’s ability to adapt to their conditions.

What do Samoan tattoo artists use to apply their designs?

A young artist-in-training often spent hours, and sometimes days, tapping designs into sand or barkcloth using a special tattooing comb, or au. Honoring their tradition, Samoan tattoo artists made this tool from sharpened boar’s teeth fastened together with a portion of the turtle shell and to a wooden handle.

What are the most popular tattoos in Fiji?

One of the most popular types of tattoos over the last two or three decades has been the tribal tattoo. Tribal tattoos cover a wide range of design styles and cultures, though, which includes Fijian tattoos, amongst others. Fijian tattoos are bold and meaningful, which why so many people opt to get them, even those who live no where near Fiji.

What does a Fijian tattoo of a shark mean?

Fijian Tattoo Meaning. Shark teeth symbolize quite a few things in Polynesian cultures, including power, leadership, and protection. Some people will make the shark’s tooth centerpiece of their designs, but in most cases you will see multiple shark teeth surrounding another piece. Spearheads are also very commonly seen in Fijian tattoos,…

What do Tiki tattoos mean in Fiji?

Tiki tattoos are also quite popular in Fijian culture. These tattoos represent semi-gods, which themselves hold many different meanings. In most cases Tiki tattoos represent some type of protection, but it’s important to know the specific semi-god included in your design so you have a better understanding of what they represent.

Who is the tattoo artist from go Fiji go?

Go Fiji Go! TATTOO ARTIST SHANE G. COLEY- FROM AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND. NOW LIVING ON THE GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA. SPECIALIZING IN MAORI, TA MOKO, KIRITUHI, POLYNESIAN AND JAPANESE.