frown is the name given to a very ugly face that connotes bad mood. It is related to the typical sculptures of vessels that navigate the São Francisco River.
Traditionally, the figureheads are characterized by representing the typical handicraft of the cities near the São Francisco River, which covers five Brazilian states.
In this context, initially, figureheads were used on the bows of vessels that crossed the São Francisco River, as navigators believed that this figure helped to ward off evil spirits and protected the crew from attack by river monsters.
The scowl images are anthropomorphic, that is, they mix physical elements of animals and humans.
There is great disagreement among researchers about what the origin of the frowns would have been. Some believe they are derived from African peoples, while others claim to be typical of indigenous culture.
The frowns came to represent a mythical content for the local population, working as a “protection object” for their bearers.
Currently, frowns are marketed mainly as ornamental objects and amulets. The artisans who produce the figureheads are popularly known as “carranqueiros”.
See also: the meaning of Legend.
frown tattoo
Hannya's tattoos are quite popular as they represent scowling masks worn by actors in Nô, the Japanese professional theater.
Hannya are recognized for their large eyes, horns and sharp teeth. They represent all the confused feelings of human beings, such as hate, passion, jealousy, etc., responsible for turning people into "monsters".
Like the figureheads of the São Francisco River, the Hannya also symbolize protection from ill omens and evil spirits.