Polynesian Tattoo Symbols and their meanings

Polynesian tattoos are made of several smaller elements similar to building blocks, selected for their meaning and then assembled together in a chosen order to create a meaningful piece.

" Just as sentences convey meaning if their words are chosen and joined properly, so do Polynesian tattoos if they are properly designed. "

Unfortunately, that is true even when they're not designed properly, and that's the problem. How do you know?

We are passionate about Polynesian tattoos and reckon that many tattoos out there could have been much better if designed with a bit more of knowledge.

That's why this site was born.

We decided to publish articles to share information on the symbols, their origins and purpose, and how they can be used within a tattoo.

We wanted to share our knowledge because understanding these tattoos is the greatest way to pay respect to the cultures they come from.

All articles are accessible in the SYMBOLS section, and can even be collected as PDF cards (freely downloadable). If you don't have time to keep checking, leave your email below and we'll take care of it all, delivering each new card straight into your inbox:

You can also download the individual cards separately >

from 900+ total reviews on Amazon:

"I live in Hawaii, purchased many Polynesian design books in the past but, this one is the best so far. Very extensive in defining Polynesian symbols & placement. Love it!"

Catana Padilla

Hawaii

"This is such a well thought out and reverent book, well deserved of the sacred art form and important root of our Polynesian culture. I feel blessed to have found it, I learned so much!!"

Kerissa Savea

Hawaii

"I gave this book as a gift to an artist. She loves it and shared that the book really opened up her mind to the culture and appreciation for the lifestyle and expression of the Polynesian and South Pacific Island peoples and their art."

Chiqui's Mom

USA

"Interesting read with history and insight into tattoo origins of Polynesian people groups! I recently got a Marquesan tattoo and wanted to learn more about the symbols. This book helped me to understand the various design concepts."

BeeBee

USA

"The writer has obviously done their homework and made it easier for the ordinary man in the street to follow."

John Mochan

UK

"Very helpful for understanding and finding the right motives. Interesting background stories about the culture and the meaning of the symbols."

Nicolas Kroyer

Germany

Polynesian Tattoos

" Just as sentences convey meaning if their words are chosen and joined properly, so do Polynesian tattoos if they are properly designed. "

Unfortunately, that is true even when they're not designed properly, and that's the problem. How do you know?

That's why this site was born.

We wanted to share our knowledge because understanding these tattoos is the greatest way to pay respect to the cultures they come from.

NOW $23.98 12.99Buy 1 Handbook, get 2.

» CHECK THEM OUT! «

from 900+ total reviews on Amazon:

"I live in Hawaii, purchased many Polynesian design books in the past but, this one is the best so far. Very extensive in defining Polynesian symbols & placement. Love it!"

"This is such a well thought out and reverent book, well deserved of the sacred art form and important root of our Polynesian culture. I feel blessed to have found it, I learned so much!!"

"I gave this book as a gift to an artist. She loves it and shared that the book really opened up her mind to the culture and appreciation for the lifestyle and expression of the Polynesian and South Pacific Island peoples and their art."

"Interesting read with history and insight into tattoo origins of Polynesian people groups! I recently got a Marquesan tattoo and wanted to learn more about the symbols. This book helped me to understand the various design concepts."

"The writer has obviously done their homework and made it easier for the ordinary man in the street to follow."

"Very helpful for understanding and finding the right motives. Interesting background stories about the culture and the meaning of the symbols."

Each person is unique, right?

Let your tattoo be unique too, shape your dreams!

.shape your dreams.

More resources

Polynesian Tattoos

" Just as sentences convey meaning if their words are chosen and joined properly, so do Polynesian tattoos if they are properly designed. "

Unfortunately, that is true even when they're not designed properly, and that's the problem. How do you know?

That's why this site was born.

We wanted to share our knowledge because understanding these tattoos is the greatest way to pay respect to the cultures they come from.

Well done!

NOW $23.98 12.99Buy 1 Handbook, get 2.

» CHECK THEM OUT! «

from 900+ total reviews on Amazon:

"I live in Hawaii, purchased many Polynesian design books in the past but, this one is the best so far. Very extensive in defining Polynesian symbols & placement. Love it!"

"This is such a well thought out and reverent book, well deserved of the sacred art form and important root of our Polynesian culture. I feel blessed to have found it, I learned so much!!"

"I gave this book as a gift to an artist. She loves it and shared that the book really opened up her mind to the culture and appreciation for the lifestyle and expression of the Polynesian and South Pacific Island peoples and their art."

"Interesting read with history and insight into tattoo origins of Polynesian people groups! I recently got a Marquesan tattoo and wanted to learn more about the symbols. This book helped me to understand the various design concepts."

"The writer has obviously done their homework and made it easier for the ordinary man in the street to follow."

"Very helpful for understanding and finding the right motives. Interesting background stories about the culture and the meaning of the symbols."

Each person is unique, right?

Let your tattoo be unique too, shape your dreams!

.shape your dreams.

More resources