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These tattoos either came in tribal patterns, or geometrical ones – In particular, bands, triangular shapes, and spaces filled with black ink. Priests who have been trained for years and obeyed rituals were the ones responsible for the tattooing process. In Tongan culture, these tattoos often held plenty of meanings regarding their own culture. In traditional Polynesian culture, tribal body art represented a right of passage into manhood. Specifically, many tribes used “tiki” or demi-god designs to denote their limitless power and potential in society. As a man’s significance grew, so did the length and intricacy of his ultimate arm sleeve.
Universal Polynesian Tattoo Designs That Welcome Diversity And Culture
This particular design is another one that consists of symmetrical shapes all over. Apart from these shapes, there also thick areas which are covered in black. In the middle part of the design, near the elbow, there are some pointy shark teeth like shapes, which looks very classy.
Polynesian Upper Arm Tattoo
According to his stories, when Captain Cook returned to Europe from his travels in Polynesia, he told his countrymen about these tattoos and the design process. These designs soon gained a lot of popularity and became a trend. The turtle symbol is of great significance in the Polynesian culture.
Whole Leg Polynesian Designs
It has a bold, symmetrical layout and covers the entire arm and parts of the upper torso and will give its wearer a unique definition. Comprising of a similar motif, it covers the upper arms and one-half of the pectoral muscles. This is one of the best Polynesian tattoos for guys as it showcases the male strength and the word ‘Fire’ adds more of a zing to the tattoo. For lovers of Hawaiian art forms, this tattoo will be a great treat. The concentric patterns that appear to meet at a focal point are its unique selling point.
Gina Valentina’s 16 Tattoos & Their Meanings

In Tonga, especially, the warriors embellished themselves with these kinds of tattoo patterns from their knees to the waist. Unlike the modern-day tattoo artists, at that time, it was the priests who got trained for years and obeyed rituals who were responsible for this tattooing process. Regarding the rich symbolism, in the Togan culture, it held a significant implication for the people. This particular design is another version of a Polynesian tattoos. Instead of covering the entire arm with different shapes, the tattoo artist here has made an elegant design that starts from the shoulder and goes down to the rest of the person.
Unique Realistic Polynesian Back and Shoulder Tattoo
The illustration reprises the same old component that it carried, which can be painful for first-timers to obtain. This entry also requires multiple touch ups, which can eventually leave a dent in one’s savings. The tattoo is also quite sought-after in pop culture, having celebrities like the Rock, Jason Momoa, and Ruby Rose as notable representatives. As long as the visuals are presentable and the design allows the wearer to find contentment, any tattoo is welcomed with open arms. However, within those visually appealing options lies a handful of designs that are both metaphorically and aesthetically moving; some of which are Polynesian tattoos.
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Meanwhile, Joseph Banks, Cook’s companion and a naturalist, was the one who confirmed the existence of tattoos, writing them on his journal. When he returned to Polynesia, Cook brought with him a native called Ma’i, who introduced the concept of tattooing to English, and eventually, Europe. Polynesian tattoos are perfect tribal tattoos for your first tribal tattoo, a sleeve, or even a small wrist tattoo. Many Polynesian cultures view tattoos, whether it be their placement, their design, or simply getting one, as a sign of rank and an important message to society. For example, both ancient Hawaiian men and women would receive tattoos; however, men tended to cover their entire bodies with ink. Also, don’t forget that all Polynesian tattoos use only black ink, which must be their most important similarity.
However, if you’re looking to add some color, you can mix different styles. You can brighten up the black color of the traditional style with hibiscus or another tropical flower of your choice. Accurate depictions of animals weren’t typically used in traditional Polynesian tattooing, but they’ve become more prevalent in recent years. What you can do is use the outline of the animal and fill it with different patterns, as an updated version of a traditional style.
Another purpose of tattoos in this culture was that they were considered to be protective talismans, and sometimes a way to honor a deceased loved one. Another type of seashell design can represent two people joining as one in marriage. Lizard designs were viewed as sacred, as they were considered divine animals.
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But if you want to place the same kind of tattoo on your back, then by all means do it – Since your back is a bigger canvas that the tattooist can work on. A good Polynesian tattoo design also covers a massive part of the person’s arm sleeves. They follow a band of lines, for example, flowing around someone’s wrist or limb and accented with black lines and typically surrounded by even more tribal tattoos.
For best results, one must always place a Hawaiian Polynesian tattoo in sizable locations, such as the thighs, chest, and entire bicep. However, with enough patience and touch ups, this Polynesian tattoo can age better than most options falling under Polynesian tattoos. For best results, consider using the Polynesian pattern as a stem. Add a floral design on the tip of the stem to unlock a pattern with both neutral and vibrant colours.
Getting them inked was a matter of great pain and endurance as they were ink with the tooth of a pig or shark rather than a needle. It is believed that the first tribal people of Polynesia came to the Marquesas Islands and it is from here that they spread to various other Polynesian Islands. The process itself was a painful one since tattoos were done using crude equipment such as bamboos and animal bones. Tattoos were, therefore, a mark of adulthood (which was reached at the age of 12) and of particular achievements, as well as being a sign of courage and strength. These tattoos are beautiful and usually tell the individual’s whole story. “Polynesian tattoo” is a general term that refers to all tattoo traditions of the Polynesian people.
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