Polynesian Tattoos

The word Ploynesia, from the Greek language, literally means ‘many island’(s). The sub-region consists of a group of over 1000 islands speckled all over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people of these islands are collectively known as Ploynesians as they seem to share a similar culture, belief and language. The term was first used by a French writer – Charles de Brosses – in 1756, who used it to define all the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Its current restriction in use (meaning only central and southern pacific islands) was introduced in 1831. Some of the most famous Polynesian islands include Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, and Norfolk Islands.

The Polynesian culture has no known written script and has thus come to use tattoos as a means of expressing its identity and culture. In their hierarchical society, tattoos not only signified societal status but also the wearer’s sexual maturity, his / her rank within the community and genealogy. Almost everyone in their ancient society was tattooed!

With the arrival of Christianity in 1797, tattooing had been banned in the culture as the Old Testament in the Bible prohibits the practice. In more recent times however (with the 1980s) the body art has been making a come back in the society and more and more Polynesians are once again taking delight in their cultural heritage. Today, we are far from being able to tell the difference between a Tahitian tattoo and a Marquesan tattoo, nevertheless, the differences between these sub cultures are distinct.

According to Polynesian mythology the two sons of the god Ta’aroa – the god of creation – taught human beings the art of tattooing. It was a highly sacred ritual and was performed by the Shamans, who were trained in the religious aspects. The tattoo design and its location on the body were established by the wearer’s position in the society, genealogy and their personal achievements. One had to spiritually cleanse himself before being tattooed – they fasted for a specific time and abstained from sexual relationships and contact with women.

Today, the most popular Polynesian tattoo designs are those of the turtle, the shark, the tiki, the gecko, the dolphin, the ray and many other abstract symbols.