Many have asked how to read and understand the meaning of a Polynesian tattoo, and the answer is always the same: it’s not entirely possible. Almost.
If you examine the two tattoos above, it’s clear they carry distinct meanings and purposes. The one on the left is clearly linked to femininity, while the one on the right is likely related to warrior symbolism.
Each symbol in a Polynesian tattoo can carry multiple meanings, and how these symbols are used in conjunction with each other gives rise to different interpretations and stories. For instance, the enata symbol represents a person—it could refer to a father in one tattoo, a friend in another, or the wearer of the tattoo themselves. The tiki symbolizes protection, often representing a divinity or a revered ancestor. The ipu is a symbol of fertility, but it can also represent good winds or ancestors, particularly if mirrored in the design.
The story behind each tattoo is just as important as the symbols themselves. The true meaning of a tattoo can only be understood within the context of the entire design and its specific narrative. The only people who know the exact meaning of each symbol in a Polynesian tattoo are the tattoo artist and the person wearing it, which adds to the personal nature of these tattoos. Even though the tattoos are visible to all, their stories remain private.
Larger symbols in a tattoo often represent the most significant themes, while smaller symbols contribute details to the overall narrative. The placement and size of these elements can provide insights into the tattoo’s general meaning, but without knowing the full story, it’s difficult to interpret the tattoo’s deeper significance.
Let’s take a closer look at a tattoo example to understand how this works.
Looking at the design, the central element is the tiki, which represents a divinity or an ancestor. This tiki is enclosed within the shape of a mere, a war club and symbol of chiefly status, emphasizing themes of strength and leadership.
Upon closer examination, we can identify several secondary elements in the tattoo:
- All-seeing eye (protection)
- Fish hook (prosperity)
- Chasing birds (support for loved ones)
- Path of Kamehameha (challenging journey)
- Spearheads (warrior, strength)
- Stepping stones (achievements, lessons)
- Adze (skills, hard work)
- Enata (man)
- Shark teeth (adaptability, protection)
- Sun (success, joy)
- Waves (change)
- Mountains (stability)
Based on these symbols, we can interpret that the tattoo emphasizes protection, especially through the tiki and the all-seeing eye, and the chasing birds symbolizing support for loved ones. It also signifies overcoming challenges, with the spearheads and the path of Kamehameha representing bravery and determination. The presence of the adze and spearheads suggests the importance of skill and hard work in reaching success, which is symbolized by the sun at the end of the path. The mere suggests a link to status and respect, while the fish hook signifies prosperity.
However, we cannot fully grasp the meaning of the tattoo without understanding its deeper story. So, let’s look at the narrative behind the design: this tattoo serves as a memorial for a father, symbolized by the tiki. The father was a respected and strong figure (represented by the mere-like shape), who imparted his wisdom and teachings to his son (the stepping stones at the base). The son is meant to take his place at the head, as seen with the tiki holding the enata (man) within the sun, symbolizing success. The mere was passed down through generations, a legacy of strength and leadership.
The father, depicted as a solid figure (the mountains), supported his son (the chasing birds), helping him prosper (the fish hook) by teaching him the skills necessary (adze and spearheads) to face life’s challenges (the path of Kamehameha). Ultimately, the father prepares his son for leadership, signified by the sun, after his passing, represented by the waves moving away from the son toward the tiki, the deified ancestor.
With this backstory, every element of the tattoo falls into place, and its true meaning emerges.
While we can understand the general themes of the tattoo—family, protection, prosperity, and strength—it’s impossible to fully decode its story without knowing the personal narrative behind it. Polynesian tattoos, like all visual art from the culture, serve as a medium for storytelling, whether it’s a personal history or a broader historical tale passed down orally. These tattoos are not just decorative; they carry profound meaning tied to the individual and their journey.
Both the story and the design are equally important. Understanding one without the other is incomplete, as the person wearing the tattoo is the only one who truly knows its meaning and the mana it holds. A tattoo’s power is fully realized when it resonates with the wearer’s life story, and when that connection is made, the possibilities are limitless.
