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Although black is the traditional ink for the Polynesian tattoos, adding different colors can give it a distinctive look. Here, the person has added a red color which is related to fierceness and energy. In the same way, you can add colors that have some significance for you too.

Popular Imagery and Design Elements Used in Polynesian Tattoos
By following these aftercare tips, you’ll give your new Polynesian tattoo the best chance to heal beautifully. For more information on traditional Hawaiian tattooing, you can visit www.to-hawaii.com or Sharks are considered powerful and sacred creatures in the Hawaiian culture. Hawaiian tattoos have a lot of triangles and geometric shapes, and that is why this swirly tattoo design stand out from the rest. Crab tattoos are very popular in Hawaiian culture as the state boasts of coastal shorelines where crabs are found in abundance. This geometric crab pattern looks extremely pleasing and is a symbol of sea adventures.
Polynesian Tattoo Designs & Their Meaning
The different cultures in the region, from Samoan, Marquesan, Tahitian, and Hawaiian to Maori, often have slightly differing designs. Most of the peoples of these islands had animistic religions, which means that they believed in the supernatural powers of everything surrounding them. Sometimes shark teeth are used to symbolize an ‘aumakua, which is a supernatural entity such as an ancestor.

Polynesian and Filipino tattoos in Southern California.
Tonga has some of the oldest evidence of Polynesian tattoos based on the fact it was settled first by the Austronesians before the other Polynesian islands. Not only are they some of the oldest, but they have a distinct tattooing style compared to other Polynesian people. Luckily, since the 1960s, there has been a cultural revival of Polynesian traditions like tattooing.
Tiki
Floral patterns create stunning tattoo choices, offering a wide array of options within Samoan tattoo designs. Among these, the hibiscus and lotus flowers with intricate details are highly favored choices for floral tattoos. While patterns often look better in black, adding less traditional elements will help you lighten up the tattoo. Many women look to add flowery details in tones of light pink and purple or even yellow.
Best Black Cat Tattoo Design Ideas (Meaning and Inspirations)
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. Allegedly, it was he who introduced the word ‘tattoo’ to Europe, as he brought back with his tales of the tribal tattooing ceremonies. Although to the untrained eye they may look like random patterns focused solely on aesthetics, in fact, every element of a Polynesia themed tattoo carries specific symbolic value. On the day of your appointment, he'll create the design directly on to your skin freehand using pens branded for tattoo use.. The entire process usually takes several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
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Samoan Tribal Tattoo
Imagine a small tribal Kanaloa wrapped around your arm with a tribal squid. While modern tattooing techniques often involve the use of tattoo machines, some artists are keeping the ancient art of hand-tapped tattooing alive. Hand-tapped traditional Hawaiian tattooing, also known as kakau, is a labor-intensive process that involves using a handheld tool called a moli to tap the ink into the skin. This technique requires immense skill and precision, resulting in tattoos that have a distinctive handcrafted look. For those seeking a truly authentic Polynesian tattoo experience, hand-tapped traditional Hawaiian tattooing is a fantastic option. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Polynesian tattooing.
The art of tattooing has been an integral part of Polynesian culture for centuries. Polynesians, who are indigenous to the Pacific Islands, have used tattoos as a form of self-expression, cultural identification, and even as a means of protection. The designs were often passed down through generations, with each tattoo telling a unique story about the wearer's heritage, achievements, and personal journey. They are mostly nature-inspired tattoos with geometric patterns depicting heritage, religion, and martyrdom. However, there are new designs included depicting the elements of the region. The list mentioned above includes a wide range of bold, colorful, delicate, and monochrome designs.
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In most Polynesian tribes, this symbol stands for protection, strength, and guidance – in some, it’s also connected to the idea of adaptability. Part of the belief was that tattoos were a necessary prerequisite to be able to communicate with the divine. These tattoos were spread over the entire body of the bearer, with the exception of the face area.
It's important to choose your tattoo artist based on their portfolio and not based on what you want them to copy or create for your tattoo. An artist's portfolio is a reflection of their style, skill, and creativity, and it's a great way to see their previous work and get an idea of what they can do for you. At the core of his style, he aims to create something that reflects the wearer's individual story, heritage, personality, and values.
Contrary to what is sometimes believed, turtles drawn upwards do not imply that they are taking the soul of a dead person into the other world. To represent this, a human figured must be placed on or near the shell of the turtle. Independence is a trait that is valued highly in Polynesian society (as in most others), however individualism is not.
Polynesian tattoos give you that personal crest to tell your own unique story. These type of polynesian tattoo for females symbolizes human figures and is often depicted in tattoos to represent ancestors, protection, and spirituality. Before getting your tattoo, take the time to meet with the artist and discuss your design and its meaning. Each Polynesian tattoo design is unique and personal to the individual wearing it. The placement of the tattoo on the body also holds significance. For example, tattoos on the face are reserved for those with high social status or those who have achieved great feats.
If you are looking for small tattoos for females then this can be a very good option. Some information about Hawaiian tribal tattoos and symbolism will help if you plan a custom design with your tattoo artist. Popular symbols of Hawaii are mostly Hawaiian Gods in the form of a tiki or an animal form. Animal forms include turtles, dolphins, flowers, geckos, sharks, owls, and hawks.
Because tattoos were viewed as sinful in the western world at that time, this special art form went into decline. The symbol can represent a female, male, or divine figure and, unsurprisingly, hold meanings related to humanity and relationships. Tahiti is also known by the name of French Polynesia and in this island, only people of high social status had the right to get tattoos. New Zealand is inhabited by the Maori tribe, famous for the unique style of tattoos.