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Top 93+ Best Polynesian Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]
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
Source: @musu_fuimaono via Instagram
Source: @blacktalontattoos via Instagram
Source: @dakine702tattoo via Instagram
Source: @javieracero via Instagram
Source: @kokin_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @lordneytattoo_ via Instagram
Source: @musu_fuimaono via Instagram
Source: @niccolocasatitattoo via Instagram
Source: @pippotattoo via Instagram
Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram
Source: @tattoojustin via Instagram
2. Polynesian Back Tattoo Ideas
Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram
Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram
Source: @jonnyhillson_tatau via Instagram
Source: @manu_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @marlolualemana via Instagram
Source: @ricosaldivar via Instagram
Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram
Source: @tattooboutic via Instagram
Source: @tattooinkpitgavin via Instagram
Source: @toshotattoo via Instagram
3. Polynesian Chest Tattoo Art
Source: @dantzat2 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: @ksutattoo via Instagram
Source: @nikita_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @pichichitattoos via Instagram
Source: @tattoosby_ruben via Instagram
4. Polynesian Tattoo Ideas for Women
Source: @6_seed via Instagram
Source: @genevieve_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @henetattoo via Instagram
Source: @inkedbykuu via Instagram
Source: @patricklochertattoos via Instagram
Source: @plume_scribblings via Instagram
Source: @samoan_mike via Instagram
Source: @stefano_miani_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @tattoos_bypri via Instagram
5. Full Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo Ideas
Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram
Source: @6_seed via Instagram
Source: @amai_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @colinzumbro via Instagram
Source: @enniocaio via Instagram
Source: @fliptatts via Instagram
Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram
Source: @littlekapitan via Instagram
Source: @santostattooo via Instagram
Source: @shaoki4000 via Instagram
Source: @shaun.hotrodtat2 via Instagram
Source: @tolle_etf via Instagram
Source: @zele.tetoviranje via Instagram
6. Half Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo Ideas
Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram
Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram
Source: @santostattooo via Instagram
Source: @bara.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @blazetattoo via Instagram
Source: @clarkemickey via Instagram
Source: @iupaticustomarts via Instagram
Source: @pipe_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @santostattooo via Instagram
Source: @tattoo.maus_ via Instagram
7. Polynesian Leg Tattoo Ideas
Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @jesusrodrigueztattoo via Instagram
Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram
Source: @pellenera via Instagram
Source: @swerve619 via Instagram
Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram
Source: @tattoojuj via Instagram
Source: @datutatu via Instagram
Source: @fresh_native via Instagram
8. Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo Designs
Source: @downtowntattoostudio via Instagram
Source: @groundup_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @jamesmylle via Instagram
Source: @kazeetatted via Instagram
Source: @laurainkjakarta via Instagram
Source: @mikey_monarch via Instagram
Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram
Source: @scketchpulu via Instagram
Source: @silver_rabbit_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @tats_by_phats via Instagram
9. Small Polynesian Tattoo Ideas
Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram
Source: @biggietattoos via Instagram
Source: @dantzat2 via Instagram
Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram
Source: @julientatouages via Instagram
Source: @niccolocasatitattoo via Instagram
Source: @polynesian_tattooartist via Instagram
Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram
Source: @tattoobypatu via Instagram
Source: @threeflowerstattoo via Instagram
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.
Polynesian Tattoo FAQs
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.
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.
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.
