50 Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas
Polynesian tribal tattoos are most often connected with rites of passage or a significant transformation. Modern designs feature all kinds of unique styles and can often be applied to non-members of the cultural society.
The shoulders, arms, and sides are the most popular areas on the body for tribal tattoos. The designs are made to accent or emphasize the shapes of the athletic body, while telling the story of the owner.
There are also different themes the wearer can choose, from specific tribal gods all the way to personal lucky charms and achievements.
The following gallery of 50+ tribal tattoos showcase the wide array of themes and ideas that go into the creation of symbolic Polynesian tattoo art. Most often etched with precision detail in black ink, they are an essential and immutable part of tattoo culture for men and women.
1. Polynesian Tribal Back Tattoo Ideas
Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram
Source: @aito_tatau via Instagram
Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram
Source: @jonnyhillson_taupoutatau via Instagram
Source: @manu_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @marlolualemana via Instagram
Source: @ricosaldivar via Instagram
Source: @tattooinkpitgavin via Instagram
2. Polynesian Tribal Tattoos for the Chest
Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram
Source: @dennishermosa via Instagram
Source: @finott via Instagram
Source: @gaspar.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @iristatau via Instagram
Source: @jared_ordoyne_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @nikita_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @pichichitattoos via Instagram
Source: @roberto_rogolino via Instagram
3. Forearm Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas
Source: @_bonanno_works via Instagram
Source: @blackashtattoostudio via Instagram
Source: @danktat via Instagram
Source: @javieracero via Instagram
Source: @tattoojustin via Instagram
4. Full Sleeve Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas
Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram
Source: @shaun.hotrodtat2 via Instagram
Source: @tolle_etf via Instagram
Source: @zele.tetoviranje via Instagram
5. Polynesian Tribal Leg Tattoo Ideas
Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram
Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @jesusrodrigueztattoo via Instagram
Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram
Source: @sam_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @sayakoaoki via Instagram
Source: @swerve619 via Instagram
Source: @tattoosbykeola via Instagram
Source: @tia8tattooer via Instagram
Source: @tuhitichaves via Instagram
Source: @shoes_tribaltattoo via Instagram
6. Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas for the Shoulder
Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram
Source: @kazeetatted via Instagram
Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram
Source: @tattooboutic via Instagram
Source: @tattoosbykeola via Instagram
7. Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Designs for the Thigh
Source: @alien_ink_maui via Instagram
Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram
Source: @inkedbyrae via Instagram
Source: @johnislandink via Instagram
Source: @jonytattoo_ via Instagram
8. Upper Arm Polynesian Tribal Tattoos
Source: @artbyjoethomas via Instagram
Source: @blazetattoo via Instagram
Source: @tribal_sr.geleia_gellystattoo via Instagram
Source: @clarkemickey via Instagram
Source: @colinzumbro via Instagram
Source: @iupaticustomarts via Instagram
Source: @jamesmylle via Instagram
Source: @pipe_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @pippotattoo via Instagram
Source: @tattoo.maus_ via Instagram
Polynesian Tribal Tattoo FAQs
All tattoos mean something; even if the wearer just likes the way the design looks on their skin. Another layer of significance beyond this personal meaning is given to tattoos when examining tribal work.
Almost every tattoo style that originates from a cultural tradition has a set of rules and a framework that gives these designs added significance.
The traditional tattoos of the Polynesian South Pacific islands date back from the Bronze age. Within the cultural context of Polynesia, and the Maori and Hawaiian Island as well, these tattoos have very specific meanings attributed to different patterns and designs.
Traditionally these tattoos were associated with specific tribes from different parts of the islands. They refer to events, life achievements, tribal status, and personal journeys, while in the past achievements in battle were also signified by body art.
Many of the patterns in this style are drawn from nature, with the layered designs referencing the fishing, hunting and warrior lifestyle that sustained Islanders for thousands of years.
These different patterns are also associated with strength, good luck, feats of physical strength and spiritual guardians.
Traditionally these tattoos would tell the wearer’s story as well as working to bring them good luck and keep them safe in battle.
One thing I’ve found getting tattoos in different parts of the world is the embrace of different designs and styles to highlight universal themes, symbols, and ideas.
As with other art mediums throughout the ages, movements, techniques, languages and even colors have been taken liberally by others for use in their own art. This also applies to ink.
The only time in which I think it’s problematic to get a tattoo based on elements of another’s culture are few, and they are specifically linked to rites of passage or culturally significant events.
And even then, it’s usually not the type of thing you could get done, as it’s policed within the cultural and tattoo community.
For example, the Maori Ta Moko tattoo is strictly done by Maori only for Maori, however there are different tattoo art designs within the medium called kirituhi which are just as rich in tradition and meaning that have been developed for non Maori (either to tattoo or be tattooed).
This goes for many of the tattoos from the Polynesian Islands and other cultures where essential story telling comes from body art. As always, do your research and if you have any doubts get in touch with an expert.
