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Micronesia is a group of islands in the west Pacific ocean.
The islands of Micronesia is full of Austronesian people. Hence, the tribal tattoos are quite popular and common within the culture in Micronesia and they have become a part of tattoo history.
Hence, if you are someone who is into tattoos and love the tribal touch present in tattoos, then Micronesian tattoos can be a great find for you. Since, they are closer to Polynesia, there is a Polynesian touch to these tattoos and you can also get this Polynesian influence on your tattoos too. There can be sleeve tattoos as well as a body art tattoo that falls under the umbrella topic Micronesian tattoos. Generally, tribal tattoos cover a lot of the skin area and can be a great one to boast if you are looking such a tattoo with intricate designs. The beauty of the tattoo does not only like in the artwork and is hidden in the nature of the tattoo – that is, the cultural aspect of Micronesian tribal tattoo designs. The tattoo culture is also seen in many other parts of the islands like Marshall Islands, and outer islands like Palau, Yap and more. Many other islands also took part in this art of tattooing. Each island can have different practices on how to tattoo. Different tools were used to tattoo on the bodies for tattooing.
Here are some of the Micronesian tattoo ideas that you would love to get on your skin.
Tribal Back Tattoo Idea
This is a great Micronesian tattoo idea where the Micronesian tattoo symbols are focused and placed on the back. Typically, the use of thick and thin lines in a specific pattern can give an alluring effect. Here, the use of the skin as the blank space is quite strategic. Since the back is a large canvass to work on, this tattoo is definitely a great one to go for if you want to gift yourself with the Micronesian culture lore.
Micronesian Shoulders Tattoo
Shoulders are also a great place to put a patterned tattoo. The wearer can boast of this tattoo, especially if the wearer has great broad shoulders. You can also add other elements along with this artwork – some of them might be animals, birds or even sharks. Many people who are a fan of Micronesian tattoos also add dolphins to give it a unique look.
Micronesian Tattoo Full Sleeve With Symbol
This is a one of the patriotic Micronesian tattoo designs that you could go for. In this design, you can opt for a tribal tattoo with a flag symbol that can bring your patriotic side out in the open. While you can keep the patriotic insignia in the centre, there can be sketches of designs surrounding the insignia to make it pop out. The tribal deisng can bring a new dimension to your tattoo game.
Micronesian Dolphin Tattoo
In Micronesian cultures, a dolphin was seen as a protector against sharks. When dolphins were present, sharks did not appear. Hence, the dophin tattii is special espcially for swimmers going to the sea. Here is a great Micronesian dolphin tattoo couples with exotic patterns which make the tattoo pop out and also give it a great cultural significance as well.
Micronesian Leg Sleeve Tattoo
A great place for a tattoo is the leg. The leg has an extended area where you can place a stretched-out tattoo that originates from the thighs andcan go till the foot. The leg sleeve tattoo here is great with thick strokes and can add a layer of complexity in the design element of it. Since leg tattoos offer ample creative space to work with, your tattoo article can be more intricatre and can even place images of gods, a fish or a bird to connect the tattoo with Micronesian legends.
Full Sleeve Tattoo With Micronesian Elements
You can also opt for a wonderful full sleeve tattoo with different Micronesian elements. Since Micronesian culture is quite rich, you can put in several different elements to bring the Micronesian cultural aspects to life with the help of Micronesian tattoo. With the full sleeve tattoo, you can add these elements in several areas across the arm but you can also add the elements separately in other body parts like the arms, neck, chest and even the toe.
Blackwork Micronesian Tattoo
Blackwork is a great way to create amazing tattoos and any person would love it on their body. Men and women could easily place the tattoo on their sleeve and this would really pop out. While there could be pain when the needle hits the skin. However, on the whole, if you go for thick strokes and thick layers of tribal tattoo designs, then this can be a great tattoo idea to go for.
Intricate Full Sleeve Tribal Tattoo
If you are looking for a really intricate tattoo, then the full sleeve can be a great way to go. The entire extension of the arm provides a lot of blank space to work with. Intricate tattoos with several designs and patterns can work well on the arm and hence, this can be a great place to bring up the best of the Micronesian culture into the open. If you research in this world and would like a great tattoo based on this culture, this is the best way to go about.
Beautiful Micronesian Back Of The Hand Tattoo
You can have a brilliant tattoo on the back of your hand as well. This is generally quite detailed and appears from the wrist to make it look even more appealing. The back of the hand tattoo can bring your tattoo game up as you can have intricate patterns running across your palm and this gives a new look to your tattoo altogether. If you are experimental, then you can opt for thin and thick strokes to give a wavy touch to your tattoo game. Other, you can use a uniform look for these tattoos.
Black-Patterned Back Tattoo
Since the back has ample space for the tattoo artist to work on, a spread out tattoo can appear beautifully. With the use of thick brush-like strokes, you can create the texture pop out. If you are into body art, then the use of thick gradients of tattoo can be really appealing. You can add a level of intricacy to these tattoos to give it a personal touch.
For both men and women, different types of Micronesian tattoos can have a different appeal. A lot of it depends on the clothing of choice and your cultural appreciation of Micronesian islands and their population. Some of the other kinds of tattoo ideas that you can use are:
- Micronesian Nature tattoo
- Micronesian family element tattoo
- Intricate animal elements tattoo
Feature image from Pinterest
What is a Micronesian tattoo?
A Micronesian tattoo is a form of body art originating from the islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It was traditionally used as a sign of social status or identity, and often featured symbols related to one’s self, community, or ancestry. Today, these tattoos are often seen as beautiful works of art and can range from simple geometric shapes and motifs to more intricate designs. Many modern Micronesian tattoos feature vibrant colors, bold lines, and intricate patterns that come together to create a unique piece of art. To get a Micronesian tattoo done correctly, it is important to find an experienced artist who is familiar with the style and its history. This will ensure that your tattoo is done with the utmost care and attention to detail. So if you’re looking for a tattoo that is uniquely yours and speaks to your identity, consider getting a Micronesian tattoo!
What is the history of Micronesian tattooing?
The practice of Micronesian tattooing has been around for centuries. It is believed that the art form first originated with the Māori people, who were Polynesian settlers living in New Zealand. From there, its use spread to other island cultures such as Samoa and Tonga. Eventually, it made its way to Micronesia, where it evolved into its own unique style. Traditionally, Micronesian tattoos were used as a form of self-expression and identity among the diverse cultures living in the islands, with each culture having their own designs and symbolism. Today, these traditional tattoos are still popular, but they have been given new life through the use of modern tattoo techniques and styles. This has allowed for a wide variety of custom designs that speak to the wearer’s heritage and identity.
How do I choose a Micronesian tattoo design?
When choosing a Micronesian tattoo design, it is important to consider your personal style and the symbolism behind the design. You may wish to select traditional symbols that are meaningful to you or create something entirely unique that speaks to your own identity. It can also be helpful to look through photos of existing tattoos for inspiration. Once you have chosen a design, it is important to find an experienced and qualified artist who has experience with Micronesian tattoos. This will ensure that your tattoo is done correctly and you get the best possible results.
What are some common Micronesian tattoo symbols and their meanings?
There are many traditional Micronesian tattoo symbols and motifs that have been used for centuries. Some of these include turtles, sharks, lizards, shells, fish, stars, and floral designs. Turtles are often seen as a symbol of long life and fertility due to their ability to live a very long time. Sharks represent strength and power, while lizards are seen as protectors from bad luck. Shells, fish, and stars are often seen as a sign of good fortune or spiritual guidance. Finally, floral designs are associated with fertility and beauty. Each of these symbols has its own meaning that is unique to the wearer’s culture and identity.
