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They are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Polynesian people and their deep connection to their ancestral roots. The ocean holds immense importance in Polynesian culture, as it is deeply intertwined with their way of life. It is no surprise that ocean motifs, such as turtles, sharks, and waves, are commonly found in Polynesian tattoos. Turtles symbolize longevity and protection, while sharks represent strength and courage.
Black Ankle Geometrical Tattoo
Humans are supposed to be descendants or offspring of Rangi (Heaven) and Papa (Earth), which were assumed to formerly being consolidated. A Man’s journey in the Polynesian myth is to discover that association again, so the human body is perceived as a nexus between Rangi and Papa. The uppermost part of the body is related to the spiritual realm and something beyond it, whilst the lower part of the body is paralleled to the tangible world and to the planet. This is an emblem or a pattern representing the lizard symbol and if you could notice, it looks a bit similar to the outline of human being form. This is the symbol for turtle and contrary to what the regular notion is, the turtles drawn upwards don not imply that they are carrying the soul of a deceased one to the heavens.
The Ferocious Hawaiian Dragon Tattoo
The excellent option is to put a lizard, usually tiny and elegant. But you can choose any drawing with patterns as all they are a combination of small meaningful details. Although now the state flower of Hawaii, the hibiscus flower is also symbolic in Hawaiian tribal tattoos. Hibiscus flowers are grown around the globe, where it is sunny. Because of the requirement of good bright conditions to grow, it is symbolic of bringing the sunshine. The hibiscus represents royalty and communicated power and respect.
Meaning Of Polynesian Tattoos
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Puku is a prefixture or a postfix is or can be also applied as an intensifier of the word it qualifies, implementing the concept of muscular arms. Stingray tattoos come in several variations and styles, the image can hold symbolic meanings. The stingray has the ability to hide in the underwater sands, mainly from sharks and is able to cover up with sand and lay still. Most sharks can sense prey in the sand based on movement but for the most part the stingray is able to hide and for this reason, it’s image is classed as a symbol of protection. Other themes that go hand in hand with the sting-ray image are adaptation, gracefulness, peacefulness, danger, agility, speed and stealth. A common motif is an enata symbol which is the depiction of a human figure.
Hawaiian Band Tattoos
Polynesian tattoos can have varying meanings depending on the design. Polynesian people show that they were able to endure pain by getting their skin marked and were through rites of passage to become accepted members of their society. Therefore, tattoos were part of a person’s identity as visible signs of rank and ancestral blood. In 1771 Captain James Cook returned home to Europe from his Pacific Voyage to Tahiti and New Zealand.
Full Arm Polynesian Tattoo
This is the reason Polynesian lizard tattoos are designed in a similar form as the form of humans. For the Polynesian people, the ocean is the source of food and they also believed it’s the place where they are going to rest afterlife. Because the turtle moves from the shore to the ocean, Polynesians believed these lovely animals bring them closer to their final resting place. In Polynesian culture legs and feet represent progress or moving forward. Feet are the direct link to the Papa and symbolize material things. Polynesian people believe men’s quest in his life is to find that union.
Polynesian images and motifs

If you like what you see in an artist's portfolio, then you're more likely to get something similar yet unique for your own tattoo. The first traces of tattooing in Polynesia date back 2,000 years! Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls.
Types of Polynesian Tattoos
This peculiarity about the stingray makes it an emblem of shelter. Out of various other symbolism, it stands for adoption, gracefulness, well-disposed nature, vulnerability, dexterity, agility and slyness. The tiki can also represent deified ancestors, priests and chiefs who became semi-gods after their passing. They symbolise protection, fertility and they serve as guardians. Other common symbols include animals, such as the turtle, which means good health, fertility, long life, peace, and rest. When this symbol is repeated, it hopes to bring families together.
Over a period of more than 1000 years one of the most complex Polynesian cultures evolved – Marquesan. However, the European navigators showed little interest due to the lack of valuable resources. When Samoa was settled, shortly after Tonga, they quickly began to develop their own type of Polynesian tattoos too. These tattoos in Samoa are similar to Tonga but do vary as well. You see, the stingray has the power and knowledge to hide and cover within the underwater sand.
In addition to these symbols, Polynesian tattoos often incorporate intricate geometric patterns. These patterns are not just decorative; they hold deep spiritual meanings. The interlocking lines and shapes represent the interconnectedness of all things and the balance between the physical and spiritual realms. They also symbolize the journey of life and the importance of finding harmony and balance within oneself. By tradition, the hawk, owl, lizard (gecko), and shark are considered representatives of guardian spirits. The gecko played an important part in Hawaiian history believed to be one of the animals that could communicate with the Gods.
Tiki figures can be portrayed in a front view (sometimes with their tongue stretched out as a symbol of defiance to enemies). Here is a close up of one of the most important elements of the tiki, the eyes. The stylisations of the ocean can often represent ideas such as life, change and continuity through change.
One child suggests they should kill them, while others propose it would be best to separate Rangi and Papa. When James Cook first returned from his trip to New Zealand and Tahiti in 1771, the word „tattoo“ first appeared in Europe. James Cook followed the behaviors of the Polynesian people and he called it tattaw. A tradition of the Polynesian tattoo existed for over 2000 years. But in the 18th century, the Old Testament strictly banned this action. The tattoo master tapped designs into the skin with mallets and tattoo combs dipped in ink.
Demigod is opposite to atua, who often appeared to the humans in non-human form, like a lizard. Traditionally, tiki always has closed eyes, and nostrils are always shown. These attributes indicated that tiki can smell the danger even when its eyes are closed.
StyleCraze provides content of general nature that is designed for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Though most Polynesian tattoos are black, you can add color to them too. Polynesian boys get tattoos when they are years old as a coming-of-age rite of passage.