Symbols Meaning in Polynesian Tattoos
What is the Meaning of Polynesian Designs like Enata, Tiki, Spearheads, Spirals…?
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Polynesian tattoos are made up of many symbols and abstract designs. Each symbol has its own meaning: lizard, enata, tiki face, ocean waves, sharkteeth and more to tells the story of the person who wears it
Polynesian Symbols Meanings on a custom tattoo design for shoulder
Symbols meanings on a custom Polynesian turtle tattoo design
These are some of them, indicated on the design we created for a client, a Polynesian turtle tattoo design
Custom Polynesian tattoo design with some Symbols and their Meanings
This is a custom tattoo created by me to tell the story of this client. I have included symbols like shark teeth, pigeons, man/woman symbol, tiki eye…all around a Celtic tree design, and other non-Polynesian designs like a Taino Sun, that represents the client’s Puerto Rican heritage.
Some Polynesian symbols and their meanings
These are just some of the Polynesian symbols that can tell your story in a tattoo
TIKI: What does the Tiki symbolize in Polynesian tattoos?
Tikiis a warrior, asymbol of protection: half man, half god. Tikis are images in wood or stone , symbols of supernatural powers.
Tiki design in a Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson style tattoo:
I created this custom tattoo for a client who wanted a warrior symbol, Tiki, and a family symbol (honu) as the main elements on the shoulder, a unique tattoo in a style similar to the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tattoos.
Many clients ask me to include Tikis in their custom tattoos, as symbols of power and protection. I usually place them on the chest, in chest and shoulder tattoos or full sleeve tattoos. Or, if it is only an arm or shoulder tattoo, as main design on the shoulder.
Depending on the Polynesian style required by the client, I include a Tiki design hidden within the tattoo.
TURTLE: What does a Turtle design symbolize in Polynesian tattoos?
Polynesian turtle or Honu is a symbol of family.
Turtles are associated with ideas of health, fertility, long life, foundation, peace…everything we want for our families. For example: this is a custom Polynesian tattoo Design (Dwayne Johnson style) with a turtle, surrounded by Polynesian lizards symbols, all into a sun.
The turtle shell may include other designs as well. If the turtle is large, I include other Polynesian designs inside its shell.
This is a detail of the final design of a armband tattoo created by me, with a turtle as the main design on its outer part. And with a tiki face inside the turtle shell.
This is a shoulder blade tattoo for a customer from Puerto Rico, that’s why I added Taino designs , sun and coqui, on the Polynesian turtle shell.
How to Symbolize Strength in a Tattoo?
Sharks and Shark teeth symbols
Shark teeth are representative of strength by their adaptability and courage, guidance, ferocity and power.
Shoulder Tattoo Design with Shark Teeth: I use shark teeth to symbolize strength in my clients’ Polynesian tattoos. The triangular shapes also symbolize the strength of the shark.
FISK HOOK: What is the meaning of this design in Polynesian tattoos?
Fish hooks in Polynesian tattoos are symbols of plenty, abundance, prosperity, good luck. Also knowledge and intelligence.
In this Polynesian tattoo created by me there are many Polynesian designs. Also a fish hook… can you see it?
LIZARD DESIGNS : What do Geckos symbolize in tattoos?
I include geckos in Polynesian tattoos as protection against diseases, they symbolize survival, recovery.
Detail of a custom tattoo design for shoulder in Polynesian style with a couple of Geckos
Custom Polynesian sleeve tattoo design for girl with geckos, flowers, tiki face, sun of ocean waves and more Samoan designs.
ENATA SYMBOL: What is the meaning of Enata design in a tattoo?
Enata: Polynesian human symbol.
It also symbolizes God, and can be used double (double enata) to symbolize marriage, man and woman. We can add this symbol to represent the families, parents, and/or children of the person wearing the Samoan tattoo.
Of course, you don’t have to know them all. Just tell me what you want to say about yourself in a tattoo, and I’ll do it for you 100% online