This would be reserved for wealthy families and could take weeks or months depending on how many tattoos the person was going to have done. People went as far as building a house for the tattoo artist to stay in and cooking them meals. This is because the head was considered the most sacred part of the human body. Maori tattoo culture is unique because, traditionally, Maori tattoos are most often done on the head. We will take a look at how they are very similar as well, but first, let’s see what unique characteristics make up tattoo culture for these Polynesian groups. There Are Many Polynesian Tattoo Cultures: What’s the Difference?Īlthough we group Polynesians as one group of people, the various groups of people living on the Pacific islands vary in the way they do tattoos.Įach culture uses unique tools, pigments, and manners of tattooing.Īlso, there are special traditions or rules associated with each group’s tattoo culture. The Samoans had interesting social structures and were master builders, sea travelers, and had a fascinating tattoo culture. They were constantly traveling on the sea. Samoan culture relies heavily on the hierarchy within the family.įor example, the Matai is the head of the family and instructs all of his family members on social and familial issues.Īlso, it is important to know that the Samoans were excellent seafarers and built well-constructed canoes. The Marquesan people celebrate an egalitarian society, unlike many of their Polynesian neighbors.Įveryone in their culture had their duty to society and they worked together to make it a peaceful one. The Marquesan islands are so remote and sit somewhere between Tahiti and Mexico. The Hawaiians worshiped many Gods including Lono, who is the God of peace and agriculture. Settled by other Polynesians only 800 years ago, these visitors slowly adapted to a new life on the Hawaiian islands and developed their own culture. Now a part of the United States, the Hawaiians didn’t always live in the modern way they do today. The chief is allowed to either emphasize that supernatural gift or disintegrate it into nothing.įor this reason, individuals may have their names changed over time to reflect that power be given or lost. One important part of Maori culture is mana, which means power or prestige and refers to a powerful gift given to someone by a God or tribal leader. Living in New Zealand, the Maori people take pride in their warrior culture, yet they practice pacifism when it comes to meeting new cultures. The Polynesian people live in the Pacific Ocean and include the Maori, the Hawaiians, the Marquesans, the Samoans, and many other groups. The Polynesians are a group of about two million people who are closely related and connected in culture because of their close proximity and therefore their ability to travel and settle amongst their neighbors. Niho Mano: Polynesian Shark Teeth Tattoos.Tattoo Design: Common Polynesian Tattoos.Polynesian Tattoos as Simple Decoration.Polynesian Tattoos and Men: A Warrior Mentality.
Polynesian Tattoos as a Right of Passage.Polynesian Tattoo Technique Similarities.What are the Similarities between Polynesian Tattoos?.The Hawaiian Tattoo Culture (Kakau Tattoos).