Polynesian Tattoos and their Meanings

The first thing we should know is that despite forming a geographical unit, each of the Polynesian islands has their own identity and customs that differentiate them from their neighbors. The same happens with tattoos, because despite the similar appearance of some of them, the truth is that their meanings can become totally different.

Maori tattoos have always represented in the body of their bearers their social status, family lineage or ancestry and their qualities and values, highlighting those vital aspects that have made him the man or woman they have become. While it is true that men once tattooed their faces, buttocks and legs while women tattooed their lips and chin, today anyone can tattoo their favorite symbol wherever they want. We present some great Maori tattoos and their meaning.

If you are looking for Polynesian tattoos on the arm, shoulders or other parts of the body, these popular Maori tattoos and their meaning can help you choose the perfect design:

• Koru: It is a type of curved leaf that symbolizes, being a natural element that is part of nature, birth and growth as well as the harmony or formal and spiritual balance of an individual.
• Hei Matau: Hei Matau is a kind of hook. In ancient times, one of the main food sources of the tribes came through fishing, which is why this tattoo symbolizes wealth.
• Hei tiki: Hei Tiki symbolizes good luck and fertility. If you want to wear an amulet on your skin, this is an excellent option.
• Sun: the star king, as in all cultures, represents leadership, determination and success.
• Manaia: Manaia is a deity with human and animal features (bird's head and fish's tail). The Manaia was considered to grant protection to the sky, the earth and the sea, so it represents a symbol of guard and protection. If you are looking for Polynesian shoulder tattoos, this option is one of the most popular.
• The arrows: Arrows are one of the most chosen elements by those who wish to get tattooed. Covered by the most ardent warriors, the arrows symbolize courage and strength.
• The ocean: the seas and oceans, in many cultures, symbolize the origin but also the beyond. Tattooing an ocean is a transcendental and very spiritual symbol that opens doors to other spheres or worlds.
• The animals: Tell me which animal you tattoo and I will tell you who you are. Tattooing animals is very common in Maori culture. A turtle, for example, symbolizes calm and balance, while a whale's tail symbolizes the strength of this great cetacean. Tattooing a shark's teeth indicates a strong and protective spirit in the wearer.

Do you want to discover more Maori tattoo designs and their meanings? If so, do not miss this other article of a COMO, where you will find designs, examples and explanations.

The aesthetics of the Samoan tattoo is one of the most widespread and preferred by those who wish to adorn their body in a very striking and balanced way. Here are some of the best Samoan tattoos and their meaning:

• Pe'a: initially masculine, this tattoo has evolved and is now a favorite of both sexes. The Pe'a tattoo is made up of geometric shapes that start at the navel and move to the calves without exceeding the knees. Its meaning is very personal and used to be associated with family offspring.
• Malu: unlike Pe'a, Malú began being exclusively a tattoo for women. Its design, a constellation of points extended throughout the body (especially affecting the legs), represents the stars and provides protection to their wearers.
• Sun: as in the case of Maori tattoos, it symbolizes leadership and strength, as well as wealth.
• Spear: Like Maori arrows, the spear symbolizes courage and strength. It is one of the best known Polynesian arm tattoos, especially in the forearm area.
• Flowers: This requested type of tattoo symbolizes, as in virtually every culture in the world, beauty, eternity and femininity. If you are looking for Polynesian tattoos on the back, flowers are a great option.
• Tribal: as its name indicates, according to the form, the quantity and the part of the body in which it is tattooed, this type of tattoos indicated the tribe to which you belonged and the hierarchy or social status of which you were part. Today they have a purely aesthetic utility but, if you want to become a tribal, you can always give it your own meaning. If you want to know more about the Meaning of tribal tattoos, this other article can be of great help.

If you want to discover more Samoan tattoo designs and their meanings, do not miss this other article of a COMO.

As in the case of the Maori and Samoan cultures, Hawaiian tattoos told the story, ancestry and individual characteristics of each member of a tribe, in addition to providing spiritual protection throughout the cycle of their lives. Within the typology of Hawaiian tattoos, there are two main categories: the one with the Etua tattoo (with mystical or religious significance) and the Enata tattoo (more related to family origin). All of them are characterized, above all, by being of a rather geometric nature, although in some of them certain anthropomorphic and even animal forms are perceived. Let's look at some of the most popular:

• Hei tiki: It is considered by Hawaiians as a protective deity that drives away evil spirits. He is considered "the first" on earth, something that in our culture could be translated as the "first man" or Adam.
• Gecko: Like the Hei Tiki, this magical figure symbolizes protection. It is a type of lizard, as this reptile is very popular as a tattoo in Polynesian culture, as it symbolizes protection and health.
• The Sharks: the sharks and their teeth symbolize protection and strength.
• The turtles: these curious animals are associated with longevity and wisdom.
• The conch shells: in addition to being the most beautiful, conch shells are a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is one of the quintessential Polynesian arm tattoos, because the shape of the conch fits perfectly into the space of this part of the body.
• The orchids: The orchid, or a set of orchids, is a type of highly demanded tattoo that symbolizes passion, beauty and love. Orchids are one of the great Polynesian tattoos on the shoulder, as the flowers can begin at that site and can be extended to the arm or forearm.

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