Enata, Tiki, and Shark Teeth: Core Symbols Explained
What is the Meaning of Polynesian Designs like Enata, Tiki, Spearheads, Spirals…?
Polynesian Symbols Meanings on a tattoo design sample
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
Symbols meanings on a 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
On this 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
The Tiki: The Sacred Polynesian Guardian
Tiki is a warrior, a symbol 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:
On this sample image we can see a Tiki as the main design in a Polynesian design similar to the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tattoos.
Depending on the Polynesian style required by the client, I include a Tiki design hidden within the tattoo.
“Do you want to tell your own personal story through a unique tattoo featuring a Tiki design?”
Turtle (Honu): Health, Longevity, and Family
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.
Turtle Design into a Polynesian tattoo for male shoulder
Check out this tattoo design created by me with a different way to add a turtle design in a tribal/Polynesian tattoo, more integrated with the rest of the tattoo.
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.
What story do you want your design to tell? Leave your ideas here
Shark Teeth (Niho Mano): Protection and Strength
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 (The Human Figure): Meaning and Symbolism
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.
Enata: Polynesian human symbol.
Ready to turn these meanings into art? Explore my Polynesian Tattoo Design Gallery and Get a Custom Tattoo for You created 100% ONLINE Here
Ready to tell your story to the world with a tattoo made just for you?
- Send me an Easy Tattoo Form below and tell me your ideas about the tattoo you want
- I will answer you with my suggestions and ideas, and the tattoo design cost
- Then, we start the drafts for your tattoo*and, just a couple of days later, I will send you the final design in high resolution with the tattoo stencil ready to be inked at your local shop
*Usually, based on my experience with thousands of tattoo designs created, your tattoo will be ready in no more than 2 or 3 drawings.
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