Polynesian islands are indeed well-known for their beautiful and meaningful tattoo designs. So, if you want to make self-expression through body art or emphasize your unique identity through motifs on your body, Polynesian tattoo designs are what you should go for. These intricate tattoos are an essential part of the Polynesian culture as they signify the spirits and culture of the Polynesian islands. You might want to proclaim your beliefs through tattoos or show some creative freedom. Tattoos also let you symbolize a soul combating entrapment. Whatever may be your reason behind getting yourself inked, let your body be a journal and allow your tattoos to tell your stories. Below are some unique tattoo designs from Polynesia that are worth trying. So, scroll through the page and read our article. Get your inspiration from the list we have provided below.

In This Article

Meaning Of Polynesian Tattoos

Expression, whether visual, written, or verbal, allows us to distinguish ourselves from others and help us reflect upon our own beliefs. In the Polynesian islands, art was not mere art. The people of Polynesia didn’t know how to write and, hence, they used tattoos to narrate their stories related to their interests, family, place of origin, and more.

Polynesian symbols are based on the four elements of nature. Each element is represented by a different symbol. Warriors wore symbols different from fishermen. Similarly, there were symbols specific to certain families and for distinct roles that people played in tribes. The enchanting black patterns adorning the bodies of Polynesians were illustrations of their culture, genealogy, spiritual journey, and social status. A few of the commonly incorporated symbols are:

  • Turtle: Fertility, long life, union, family, harmony, and wellness.
  • Tiki: Protection
  • Dolphin: Wisdom
  • Shark teeth: Coverage, guidance, power, and ferocity
  • Sun: Riches, brilliance, leadership, and eternity
  • Turtle shells: Protection and intimacy
  • Lizard: Guarding against evils and illness
  • Spearheads: Courage and fight
  • Enata: Human symbol
  • Ocean waves: Death or the world beyond.

In addition to these different meanings, Polynesian tattoos have a rich history that spans centuries. Learn all about it in the next section.

Key Takeaways

  • Tattooing was an important tradition in Polynesia until it was suppressed during colonization in the 19th century. It reemerged after nearly 150 years.
  • Polynesian tattoos have deep cultural and spiritual meanings related to the wearer’s genealogy, journey, and status often depicting symbols such as turtles, sharks, suns, waves, and shells, each holding a specific meaning.
  • Tattoos are considered to be sacred in Polynesian culture. Other activities are generally ceased during the tattooing process to prevent offending the Polynesian gods.
  • Intricate sleeve and back tattoos are common, incorporating multiple meaningful symbols.

History Of Polynesian Tattoos

The legacy of Polynesian tattoos goes back 2000 years. Polynesia, as some people think, is not a single island. It is made up of thousands of Pacific islands. Every island has its unique history of tattoos. All these islands had different tattoo masters who passed on their knowledge of tattooing to their apprentices.

The English word ‘tattoo’ comes from the Tahitian word ‘tautau.’ In English, the word ‘tattoo was adopted in writing only during the late 16th century when Captain Cook visited a part of Polynesia and recorded the word in his journal.

A tattoo’s meaning was influenced by its placement on the body, which was also significant. The upper body was connected to the spiritual realm and the lower body to the ground, representing the body’s role as the bridge connecting heaven and earth. Tattoos on the front were associated with the future and those on the back with the past. Women were linked to the left side of the body, while men were linked to the right.

This long history of tattooing in Polynesia was suspended in the 19th century with the advent of a foreign faith. Christian missionaries from the West attempted to eliminate tattooing in the Polynesian islands on the grounds of it being barbaric and inhumane. The bans imposed during the colonization period completely wiped out the tattooing tradition of some of the Polynesian islands like Tonga and Tahiti. Many young Polynesians became hostile towards mission schools since they forbade them to wear tattoos. Gradually, the attitude towards the tattoo culture of Polynesia relaxed and slowly the long-suppressed body art tradition reemerged.

Finally, after 150 years of religious suppression, tattoos have returned to their rightful place as cultural symbols of Polynesia. Polynesian tattoos are of several types and styles and you can choose from different types of tattoos . Some of the popular styles include:

  • Maori Style: It focuses more on round elements such as spirals and are ornamental.
  • Marquesan Style: It features geometric patterns.
  • Samoan Style: It leans more towards repetitive symmetrical patterns.
  • Tahitian Style: It incorporates Western-style patterns and figurative and rounded elements.
  • Hawaiian Style: This style of tattoos features repetitive geometric patterns.

43 Polynesian Tattoo Designs With Meanings

Polynesian tattoos are more than just an artwork. They make for deep, meaningful designs. Such a design can represent personal identity, connection to heritage or tribe, values, and beliefs. In the section below, we have put together a list of these ancient tattoo designs with modern flair. Take a look!

1. Feminine Polynesian Tattoo Female

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