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Top 93+ Best Polynesian Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Top 93+ Best Polynesian Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

  • Next Luxury / Tattoo Ideas
  • by — Jono Elderton

Polynesian Tattoos

Polynesian tattoos are most often connected with rites of passage or a significant transformation. Most often etched with precision detail in black ink, they are an essential and immutable part of tattoo culture for men and women.

Modern designs feature unique styles that can often be applied to non-members of the cultural society. The designs are made to accent or emphasize the part of the body tattooed, while telling the story of the owner.

There are also different themes the wearer can choose, from specific tribal gods and key animal motifs, all the way to personal lucky charms and achievements.

The following gallery of the best 93+ Polynesian tattoo ideas showcases the wide array of themes and that go into symbolic tattoo art.

1. Polynesian Tattoos for the Arm

Polynesian Arm Tattoo 2 musu_fuimaono

Source: @musu_fuimaono via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo blacktalontattoos

Source: @blacktalontattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo dakine702tattoo

Source: @dakine702tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo javieracero

Source: @javieracero via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo kokin_tattoo

Source: @kokin_tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo lordneytattoo_

Source: @lordneytattoo_ via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo musu_fuimaono

Source: @musu_fuimaono via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo niccolocasatitattoo

Source: @niccolocasatitattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo pippotattoo

Source: @pippotattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo tatakbyayla

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Polynesian Arm Tattoo tattoojustin

Source: @tattoojustin via Instagram

2. Polynesian Back Tattoo Ideas

Polynesian Back Tattoo 2 infamous_bubz

Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo infamous_bubz

Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo jonnyhillson_tatau

Source: @jonnyhillson_tatau via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo manu_tattoos

Source: @manu_tattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo marlolualemana

Source: @marlolualemana via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo ricosaldivar

Source: @ricosaldivar via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo tatakbyayla

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo tattooboutic

Source: @tattooboutic via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo tattooinkpitgavin

Source: @tattooinkpitgavin via Instagram

Polynesian Back Tattoo toshotattoo

Source: @toshotattoo via Instagram

3. Polynesian Chest Tattoo Art

Polynesian Chest Tattoo dantzat2

Source: @dantzat2 via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo dennishermosa

Source: @dennishermosa via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo finott

Source: @finott via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo gaspar.tattoo

Source: @gaspar.tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo iristatau

Source: @iristatau via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo jared_ordoyne_tattoos

Source: @jared_ordoyne_tattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo ksutattoo

Source: @ksutattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo nikita_tattoo

Source: @nikita_tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo pichichitattoos

Source: @pichichitattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Chest Tattoo tattoosby_ruben

Source: @tattoosby_ruben via Instagram

4. Polynesian Tattoo Ideas for Women

Female Polynesian Tattoo 6_seed

Source: @6_seed via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo genevieve_tattoos

Source: @genevieve_tattoos via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo henetattoo

Source: @henetattoo via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo inkedbykuu

Source: @inkedbykuu via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo patricklochertattoos

Source: @patricklochertattoos via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo plume_scribblings

Source: @plume_scribblings via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo samoan_mike

Source: @samoan_mike via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo stefano_miani_tattoo

Source: @stefano_miani_tattoo via Instagram

Female Polynesian Tattoo tattoos_bypri

Source: @tattoos_bypri via Instagram

5. Full Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo Ideas

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo _tattoofx

Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo 6_seed

Source: @6_seed via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo amai_tattoo

Source: @amai_tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo colinzumbro

Source: @colinzumbro via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo enniocaio

Source: @enniocaio via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo fliptatts

Source: @fliptatts via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo lastsoultattoos

Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo littlekapitan

Source: @littlekapitan via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo santostattooo

Source: @santostattooo via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo shaoki4000

Source: @shaoki4000 via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo shaun.hotrodtat2

Source: @shaun.hotrodtat2 via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo tolle_etf

Source: @tolle_etf via Instagram

Polynesian Full Sleeve Tattoo zele.tetoviranje

Source: @zele.tetoviranje via Instagram

6. Half Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo Ideas

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo _tattoofx

Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo 2 lastsoultattoos

Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo 2 santostattooo

Source: @santostattooo via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo bara.tattoo

Source: @bara.tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo blazetattoo

Source: @blazetattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo clarkemickey

Source: @clarkemickey via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo iupaticustomarts

Source: @iupaticustomarts via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo pipe_tattoos

Source: @pipe_tattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo santostattooo

Source: @santostattooo via Instagram

Polynesian Half Sleeve Tattoo tattoo.maus

Source: @tattoo.maus_ via Instagram

7. Polynesian Leg Tattoo Ideas

Polynesian Leg Tattoo jerome_titeca_tattoo

Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo jesusrodrigueztattoo

Source: @jesusrodrigueztattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo lastsoultattoos

Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo pellenera

Source: @pellenera via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo swerve619

Source: @swerve619 via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo tatakbyayla

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo tattoojuj

Source: @tattoojuj via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo datutatu

Source: @datutatu via Instagram

Polynesian Leg Tattoo fresh_native

Source: @fresh_native via Instagram

8. Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo downtowntattoostudio

Source: @downtowntattoostudio via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo groundup_tattoos

Source: @groundup_tattoos via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo jamesmylle

Source: @jamesmylle via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo kazeetatted

Source: @kazeetatted via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo laurainkjakarta

Source: @laurainkjakarta via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo mikey_monarch

Source: @mikey_monarch via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo raskinstyle

Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo scketchpulu

Source: @scketchpulu via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo silver_rabbit_tattoo

Source: @silver_rabbit_tattoo via Instagram

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo tats_by_phats

Source: @tats_by_phats via Instagram

9. Small Polynesian Tattoo Ideas

Small Polynesian Tattoo 2bitsmashisttattoos

Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo biggietattoos

Source: @biggietattoos via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo dantzat2

Source: @dantzat2 via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo eddieborneoink

Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo julientatouages

Source: @julientatouages via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo niccolocasatitattoo

Source: @niccolocasatitattoo via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo polynesian_tattooartist

Source: @polynesian_tattooartist via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo raskinstyle

Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo tattoobypatu

Source: @tattoobypatu via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo threeflowerstattoo

Source: @threeflowerstattoo via Instagram

Small Polynesian Tattoo vincentarts

Source: @vincentarts via Instagram

More About Polynesian Tattoo Designs and Symbolism

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 to 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 inner 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.

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Polynesian Tattoo FAQs

Is getting a Polynesian tribal tattoo cultural appropriation?

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.

The only time in which I think it’s problematic to get a tattoo based on elements of another’s culture is if 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.

As always, do your research about an idea and if you have doubts get in touch with an expert.

Where should I place my Polynesian tattoo?

The shoulders, arms, and sides are the most popular areas on the body for Polynesian and other tribal tattoos. The designs are made to accent or emphasize contours of the body, or to look awesome while telling the wearer’s story.

Many get tribal tattoos for the ink durability so the appealing designs last longer, especially when it’s all black ink. The combination of bold lines and clever use of negative space makes for infinite possibilities.

One of the best things about tribal tattoos is that they are highly customizable, so you can really get creative with several patterns inspired by the traditional classics.

What style of Polynesian tattoos are there?

Many traditional shapes from tribal tattoos originate or are inspired by different ancient tribes such as Native Americans, Hawaii, Polynesian, Celtic, Filipino, or Haida.

There are also different themes the wearer can choose, from specific tribal gods and animal motifs all the way to personal lucky charms.

These symbols can represent one’s personality, sort of like wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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