Thinking About Getting A Polynesian Tattoo Design? You Should First Consider The History Of tatau

By Sidra Lackey

Polynesian tattoos for the people of Polynesia are more than just tattoos, their tatau (the onomatopoeic name for the practice of tattoo) is their way of life since tatau began 3,000 years ago. Tattoo designs for Polynesian people are distinct and every cultural group has specific tattoo traditions within the Polynesian Triangle. 

When Western contact entered Polynesia, traditional cultural practices such as tatau became banned. “Tattooing was often done in defiance of colonial powers, so it was one of the first things white men tried to suppress,” says Tricia Allen, an Oahu-based tattooist with an extensive background in Polynesian history and author of The Polynesian Tattoo Today. “While in recent decades Pacific Islanders have revived many of their traditional arts and take pride in their cultural heritage, it’s understandable why tattoo can be a sensitive topic for Indigenous people. People don’t realize the primary difference between traditional tattoo and modern tattooing is that within traditional cultures, it was a mark of conformity to one’s cultural norms. This is quite different than in Western culture, where a tattoo generally marks individuality,” Allen adds.

Tattoo collectors who are not of Polynesian descent and are interested in getting a Polynesian tattoo design should be conscious of Polynesian culture before choosing a design. Some designs are even tapu, or forbidden, to get due to the culture’s tattoo history of having family lineage and accomplishments marked on their bodies. Eddy Tata, a Marquesan tattoo artist, emphasizes the positive aspects of being curious yet sensitive to traditional origins of tatau. “Don’t be afraid of tattoos,” he assures. “I think it’s an honor to share my culture with others, and it’s in a way that carries my culture throughout the world.”

‘au (tattooing implement), maker unknown. Te Papa

If you are a tattoo collector lucky enough to be able to travel to Polynesia to get tattooed authentically by tatau technique, traditional Polynesian tattoo tools would be used rather than a modern tattoo machine. Also, instead of a tattoo stencil on paper being transferred onto your skin, a Polynesian artist most likely would sketch your desired design onto your body with a pen. 

Polynesian tattoo designs are all tribal in style and there are 5 main styles: Maori (Rich with round elements, spirals, and intricate fillings.), Marquesan (Geometrical with large blocks and solid black areas. Asymmetrical body sides for men, mostly symmetrical for women.), Samoan (Rectilinear, geometrical, repetitive. Highly symmetrical body sides.), and Hawaiian (Highly geometric, often based on repetition.) while the Tahitian tattoo style has evolved from them to, “shape a new, more figurative style that often includes realistic elements,” according to TattooTribes, a website that is dedicated to deciphering Polynesian tattoo designs.