Polynesian Tattoos

Polynesian tattoo is a traditional and mythological expression used in the art of body modification. It's an ancient art but also preferred in modern time. Designing a Polynesian tattoo is a very painful and lengthy procedure.

The people of Polynesia use elements of the traditional tribal designs in the tattoo designing part. The Polynesian islands which include Samoa, The Cook Islands, Easter Island, Tonga, French Polynesia, Tahiti, and our own Hawaii, just to name a few have been a popular tourist destination across the United States and the world at large.

The people of the Polynesian islands have evolved their own distinct culture over hundreds, even thousands of years. Though they are distinct, a lot of cultural similarities remain. Practically all of these people practice the art of tattooing, and they do so in startlingly similar ways.

Samoan tattoo patterns are highly meaningful to those of that culture, and that is something we can grasp just be looking at a Samoan tattoo, even without knowing what its precise meaning is. Samoan tattoo designs would be impressive regardless of their size, but when they cover almost half of a man's body, starting from just under the ribcage, and continuing down to the ankles, they are particularly striking.

There are two different types of Polynesian tattoo. First one is Enata. The Enata designs are natural designs that come to symbolize a person's life history, island of origin, social level, type of work done, etc. The other type of Polynesian tattoo is the Etua. This form has a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to it. These symbols might show particular honor to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection from the gods.

Besides these two types there are other forms of Polynesian tattoos which carry slightly less meaning. The most popular and most offered designs include the tiki, the turtle, the gecko, the ray, the shark, the dolphin, as well as a lot of abstract symbolic designs. The meanings of these symbols are as follows:

• Tiki: Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.
• Shells: Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.
• Shark's teeth: Tattoos of sharks' teeth denote protection.
• Sharks: Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.
• Turtles: Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.
• Gecko: The gecko is supposed to have supernatural powers, and is regarded by Polynesians with fear and awe. It is rumored that if a green gecko "laughs" at you, it's a terrible omen of illness and bad fortune.

Here you can find the collection of Polynesian tattoo designs and pictures.

Developed by TDDI, the tattoo designs expert.