

Patterns with several spearheads arranged in a row are also typical in Tahitian tattooing, where the more figurative style includes more realistically designed rows of spearheads. The Samoan symbol representing the spearhead reminds of the corresponding Hawaiian version, where spearheads are often arranged in patterns of several points side by side. This is symbolized by the two spearheads that finalize the tips of the canoe on opposite sides as shown in the image below: Looking for female knight names that’ll make you sound fierce, powerful and awesome Here’s a list of 100+ names for fierce female warriors with their meanings.

This line goes horizontally on the back and bends slightly upward on the sides of the torso to end almost on the front of the body, and it represents the canoe of the ancestors, symbolizing both the connection with the roots and that the boy is ready to guide his own canoe, to provide for his family. He won't start until it's been commonly agreed with the parents of the boy. When a boy reaches maturity and is considered worthy of receiving his tattoo, the tufuga ta tatau (maker of tattoos, a title given only to master tattoo artists) starts studying the back of the boy to decide where the initial line should be drawn.

In the traditional Samoan male tattoo, or pe'a, which extends from the back of the waist to slightly below the knee, the spearheads were one of the first elements to be inked. It is still seen as a great warrior and the male is associated with King Arthur, it symbolizes great power under control, with claws significantly displayed on crests or on shields.The spearhead represents both the warrior and the fisherman, as they were used by both of them. Many believe that as a wise creature, it gains wisdom through its winter incubation and it bears a symbol of maternal protection. The Haida associate bear to an elder kinsman and when killed it is believed to be a high ranking guest. The bear has been associated with ferocity, diplomacy and healing powers. In addition to this, bear is a symbol of wisdom for the Lakota Sioux, spirit keeper for the Chippewa and introspection and strength. Bear symbols and tattoos also tend to serve similar functions. People tend to emulate the virtue of the female bear because it is admirable seeing her protect her cub and their claws and teeth are used as amulets, decorations and talismans so as to stir up the powers of the bear. The Shamans and animist believe that bear is a powerful totem or spirit and when seen in people’s dreams, the animals are seen to be the guides from the spirits. In many indigenous stories, the animal was seen as a transformed human that was a close intimate of humans. The early man started identifying with the bear for several reasons because from the early times when men were hunters and gatherers, they respected and feared the bear and at times even worshiped it because despite being a predator, it had power, strength and was furious. The similarity also comes because the bears tend to stand on their hind legs like man when aggressive or when threatened. The original image of these mythical Norse maidens was exactly that, but also so much more. In modern culture, they are usually portrayed as beautiful and strong warrior women riding on flying horses. The bear occupies the same ecological niche with man and competed for shelter in caves making the bear similar with the early man. The Norse Valkyries are among the most famous beings and symbols to survive to this day from ancient Nordic and Germanic mythology.

The bear hunts for fish and both small and large game. The animal is an omnivorous creature like human beings because it eats roots, nuts, honey, berries, bird’s eggs and grasses. The bear also represent a gentle friendship and a docile follower in camouflage but its love for honey adds up an amusing element in the symbol of power and dignity.īeing a unique animal and off wide rage, bear symbol is extremely popular in legends of many cultures around the world including those of Asian myths, North American and European. The bear is a symbol for strength, courage and tenacity.
