Polynesian Tattoos and their histories

When people think of getting tattoos, the type often considered are tribal.  The origins of these designs are inspired by Polynesian tattoos.  Although today, tattoos are mostly done with tattoo guns, the original and authentic tattoos in these regions were created in more primitive methods.

In Samoa, the techniques have basically remained unchanged for over two thousand years and the skill is passed down from father to son using tools consisting of boars teeth, turtle shell and wooden handle.   For the men, it is like a right of passage and young men would endure the pain,from morning through night for a period of about 3 months to show their strength and bravery.  Incomplete tattoos are viewed as a mask of shame.  Although Christian missionaries attempted to stop such acts, viewing them as inhumane and barbaric, but Samoans resisted and the traditions continue to this day.

Hawaiian tattoos served as body art and distinction but also to protect their health and spirituality.  Images of lizards, which were greatly respected and feared, and of the Hawaiian crescent fan (Peahi niu) for the highest-ranking members of society, dominated Hawaiian kakau. Intricate patterns, mimicking woven reeds or other natural forms, graced men's arms, legs, torso and face. Women were generally tattooed on the hand, fingers, wrists and sometimes on their tongue.

Maori - The full-face moko was a mark of distinction for Maori men, which communicated their status, lines of descent and tribal affiliations. It recalled their wearer's exploits in war and other great events of their life. The Maori chief Te Pehi Kupe said during a visit to England in 1826, "Europee man write with pen his name — Te Pehi's is here," pointing to his tattooed face.  By the 1920s, the last of the tattooed men had died, but many women continue to wear moko until the middle of the century.

In addition to full-face moko, Maori men also wore puhoro, an intricate tattoo extending from mid-torso to the knees, which featured the characteristic design of a spiral on the buttock.

Information from PBS.org

Hibiscus flowers are the state flower of Hawaii and often used in tattoo designs

Honu (turtle) tattoo - representing long life and longevity.

In Hawaii, the Plumeria, often used in leis represents 'new life' and perfection, the coming together of everything good.

Tribal Tattoos

Tribal Tattoos Designs Bring Art to Life Primitive


Tribal tattoos art looks great, but more importantly, every tribe has design deeper meaning. When choosing tribal tattoos, you should consider the meaning of this, and make sure that you believe in the statement you made.




Choosing A Tribal Tattoo Design




There are some tribal tattoos designs that can be chosen differently. There zodiac tribal designs, sun and stars, religious symbols, and even tribal band tattoo. Each design has a meaning, be it spiritual or community. This has been happening since time immemorial, when the tattoo is used both to mark the affiliation with a group, or religion, magic, or spiritual beliefs.




Some of the oldest tribal tattoos there are thousands of years ago. Many of these tattoos represent the sun and the stars to honor the sun god and the element of fire. Tribal sun tattoo, and the stars, can vary in size and detail. This allows them to adapt to every part of your body, even though the shoulders and back seem to be the most popular locations. If you want to get creative, you can create a chain of ethnic tribes with pictures of the sun star as center.




Another option is the recent popularity of the zodiac tribal tattoos. Zodiac is the first known celestial coordinate system. Greek and Roman zodiac is the most popular, but the cultures around the world have implemented the astrological meaning of the stars for thousands of years. Although there is no scientific basis, many people identify with the characteristics of their zodiac sign. If you are one of these people, zodiac tribal tattoos may be right for you.




As already mentioned, the tattoo has represented religious significance for many years. Because of this, many people have chosen to represent their beliefs in the ways of primitive tribes with the design of religious symbols. Depending on your beliefs, you may want to do research before you make a decision. The key is to make sure that you use the symbols most meaningful to you. From there, you can be creative in your design, or allows you to design a tattoo artist for your tattoo.




Tribal tattoo bracelet is probably the most common ethnic art forms. Armbands are usually formed from the fire, barbed wire, or the knot work, but you do not have to stay with the basics. The point of a tattoo is made private, so you can use all kinds of tribal tattoos art that you want to enter your bracelet. For example, you can use barbed wire to wrap around the arm, holding a religious symbol or a sign of the zodiac in place. Other images can be included, too, including animals or words. For something a little more personal, bracelets tattoo can even be modified to fit on the wrist, too. By Terry Daniels