The Polynesian culture demonstrates the resilience of its people through the practice of marking their skin and undergoing rites of passage, which ultimately lead to their acceptance as valued members of society. Thus, tattoos became an integral part of one’s identity, serving as visible symbols of social status and ancestral heritage. Additionally, tattoos were believed to provide spiritual safeguarding.
Polynesian tattoos, with their intricate designs and symbolic meanings, represent an ancient tradition deeply rooted in the Polynesian culture. Extending across many islands in the Pacific Ocean, these tattoos, or ‘tatau’ as they’re traditionally known, have been a critical part of the Polynesian identity for over two thousand years. Each inked pattern tells a story, making these tattoos not just body adornments but also narratives of personal and cultural significance.
Table of Contents
- History of Polynesian Tattoos
- Subcategories of Polynesian Tattoos
- Artwork and Meaning in Polynesian Tattoos
- Examples for Polynesian Tattoo Style
- References
History of Polynesian Tattoos
Polynesian tattooing dates back over 2,000 years, with early Polynesians using this art form to indicate social status, tribal affiliation, genealogy, and personal accomplishments. The tattoos were traditionally applied using bone, shell, or turtle shell tools and inked with natural dyes. Therefore the process was physically and spiritually intense, and getting a tattoo was seen as a rite of passage.
A Wide Cultural Expanse
One of the striking aspects of Polynesian tattoos is the vastness of the cultural region they encompass. Polynesia, the home of this art form, spans over a thousand islands in the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean. This immense geographical spread creates an intriguing paradox. Despite being scattered across the vast ocean, these islands share an astonishingly coherent and interconnected tattoo tradition.
Polynesian islands are scattered across a triangular area, with Hawaii at its northernmost point, New Zealand at the southwest, and Easter Island at the southeastern corner. This ‘Polynesian Triangle’ covers a whopping 25 million square kilometers. To put this into perspective, it’s nearly 200 times the size of the United Kingdom!
Subcategories of Polynesian Tattoos
Yet, despite this impressive geographical distance, a shared cultural and linguistic heritage has shaped the Polynesian tattoo traditions. However, each island and culture within this expansive region brings unique aspects to their tattoo art. The same design element can have different meanings in different Polynesian cultures. Moreover, individual cultures like the Maoris, Samoans, Hawaiians, and Tahitians have distinct styles and symbolism in their tattoos.
This diversity within unity is a testament to the dynamism and richness of Polynesian tattoo culture. As we delve into the intricate designs of Polynesian tattoos, we explore an art form and an entire constellation of cultures spread across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Samoan Tattoos (Tatau)
Samoan tattoos are extensive and often cover large body parts. The men’s tattoo, ‘Pe’a,’ covers the body from the waist to the knees, while the women’s tattoo, ‘Malu,’ covers the legs from the upper thighs to the knees. The artwork in Samoan tattoos often includes geometric patterns and symbols representing protection, courage, and community.
It’s worth noting that Samoan tattoos are traditionally earned and deeply respected in Samoan culture. They tell the story of the individual’s journey, lineage, and personal achievements, so the exact design and symbolism would be unique to each individual.
Maori Tattoos (Ta Moko)
Known for their intricate spiral designs, Ta Moko, is unique to the Maori people of New Zealand. These tattoos often cover the face and body and use symbols to depict the wearer’s genealogy, tribal affiliation, and personal achievements.
Hawaiian Tattoos (Kakau)
Kakau often features designs inspired by the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. They incorporate imagery like flowers, turtles, and lizards, each with its symbolic meaning related to protection, guidance, and divine power.
Tahitian Tattoos (Tatau)
The Tahitian tattoos are known for their intricate geometric designs and symbols representing elements from the natural world, like the sea, the sun, and animals. Moreover, these symbols often indicate the wearer’s social status, personal history, or protective spiritual guidance.
Artwork and Meaning in Polynesian Tattoos
Polynesian tattoos are typically comprised of many small symbols that create a larger design together. Each symbol carries a specific meaning. They connect to cultural heritage, personal identity, and social status. Whether worn by people of Polynesian descent or by others drawn to the beauty and symbolism of these designs, they honor a rich tradition that spans thousands of years and vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean.
A Global Trend with a Modern Twist
With their deeply-rooted cultural heritage and intricate designs, Polynesian tattoos have captivated the world beyond their island origins. Over the past few decades, the fascination with these tattoos has become a global trend. Specifically from Hollywood celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson proudly showcasing their Polynesian ink to tattoo enthusiasts worldwide, these designs make a bold statement on the international stage.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to acknowledge a vital aspect of this trend: as Polynesian tattoos travel across cultures, they often transform their meaning and symbolism. Traditionally, these tattoos carry profound cultural symbolism, each design element signifying specific attributes related to the wearer’s life, lineage, and societal role.
However, in today’s global tattoo culture, many individuals like Polynesian tattoos primarily for their aesthetic appeal. The intricate, flowing patterns, bold lines, and unique geometric designs offer a visually striking style that stands out in the diverse spectrum of tattoo artistry. This has led to many tattoos inspired by Polynesian design elements but not necessarily adhering to their traditional symbolism.
Examples for Polynesian Tattoo Style
Artist: Chau @ Art&Body Cologne 
Artist: Chau @ Art&Body Cologne 
Artist: Chau @ Art&Body Cologne
Keyphrases: Polynesian Tattoos, History of Polynesian Tattoos, Samoan Tattoos, Maori Tattoos, Hawaiian Tattoos, Tahitian Tattoos, Symbolism in Polynesian Tattoos, The Rock Tattoo, Dwayne Johnson Tattoo
References
Artists
Firstly we want to express our profound gratitude to the talented tattoo artists who generously allowed us to feature their designs in this article. Their creativity and expertise greatly enrich our understanding of this ancient, dynamic art form.
For this article, special thanks to:
- Chau – Art&Body – Cologne, Germany
Become part of the Tinkattoo Tattoo Style Guide
We would be delighted if you’re a tattoo artist specializing in any specific tattoo style and would like to contribute to our growing gallery. Your work can help inspire, educate, and guide those interested in the world of tattoos. Feel free to contact us or connect with us on our social media channels.
Images
- https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/13659.png?v=1615765543
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CA%BBa#/media/File:Traditional_Samoan_Tattoo_-_back.jpg
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C4%81_moko#/media/File:Tame_Iti_at_gallery_opening_13_October_2009.jpg
- https://rare-gallery.com/uploads/posts/120465-dwayne-johnson-the-rock-bodybuilder-tattoos-5k.jpg
