Cultural Tattoos Explained

Today, Polynesian and tribal tattoos are a popular expression of style and fashion. Known for complex patterns and stark black lines, contemporary tribal tattoos often blend traditional patterns from several cultures to form a distinctive design. This ancient art form has found new life among tattoo enthusiasts in modern times.

Many of the cultures in Polynesia traditionally tattoo the skin. The Maori people in New Zealand, for example, have been tattooing patterns and symbols for over a thousand years. In this Polynesian culture, spiral lines were created on the human body, particularly the face, using a bone chisel. Because the process of tattooing was very painful, Maori tattoos were understood as signs of courage and a right of passage. To the Maori people, tattooing is considered a sacred event. The application of these curving patterns was accompanied by traditional flute music, chanting, and other cultural elements. The tattoos themselves, known as Ta moko, symbolized tribal identity, family ranking, ancestry, and social status. If you are not Maori but want a tribal tattoo, be sure to choose a design that does not signify special attributes to the Maori people.Hawaiian tribal tattoos are known as Kakau. Traditionally, this body art is used for adornment, a symbol of mourning, or a personal talisman to protect the wearer. Typical Hawaiian designs include tropical flowers, lizards, turtles, and dolphins. Armband designs have long accompanied Hawaiian tattoo art. Both tribal armbands and pictorial tattoos are very popular designs today.

Tattoos from Samoa, known as Tatau, tend to cover a large area of the body with complex abstract patterns and motifs. These tattoos are applied to show cultural pride and identify family lineage and social status.

Rapa nui tattoos (from the culture on Easter Island) take the form of special symbols in vivid designs. In this Polynesian culture, it was believed that bold tattoos make the skin sacred, creating a pathway for communication with the gods. The Easter Island culture is perhaps best known for Moai, monolithic stone heads. These Moai may be considered one part of tiki mythology, and are often represented in modern Polynesian tattoo designs.

Today, Tiki tattoo designs are very popular. Each of the Tiki gods, stylized as a human figure, carries a different symbolism. Although rarely used in traditional Polynesian tattoos, the Tiki god or Tiki statue has evolved into a popular design in the Western world. In fact, it is one of the most common Polynesian-inspired tattoos found in the Western world.

Traditional Polynesian tattoo designs are described as either 'Etua,' with a strong religious or spiritual meaning, or 'Enata,' to describe social identity or status. Many symbols are found in Polynesian tattoo designs from the various islands. For example, sharks and shark teeth represent protection, while turtles are a symbol of long life and fertility. Shells are a symbol of prosperity, as they were once used as a traditional form of currency.

Tiki and Polynesian tattoos are very impressive works of art, often carrying great symbolism for the wearer. These beautiful designs, combining abstract lines with beautiful figural themes, have an ageless appeal and striking appearance. When seeking the perfect Polynesian tattoo design, be sure to take into account the special symbolism of each one.