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
2. Polynesian Tribal Tattoos for the Chest
3. Forearm Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas
4. Full Sleeve Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas
5. Polynesian Tribal Leg Tattoo Ideas
6. Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Ideas for the Shoulder
7. Polynesian Tribal Tattoo Designs for the Thigh
8. Upper Arm Polynesian Tribal Tattoos
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.