Access authoritative, culturally verified research and a collection of books on traditional Polynesian art.
Explore the symbols
The word Tatau comes from Eastern Polynesia, specifically from the Samoan language (it's the root of the English word "tattoo") and it literally means "to strike" or "to tap", as a reference to how tattoos were applied by hammering pigment into the skin using bone or shell comb-like tools.
Each piece is 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?
This website could be the answer, and that's why we created it: we reckon that many tattoos out there could have been much better if designed with a bit more of knowledge.
Polynesia is a vast area comprising thousands of island scattered in the portion of the Pacific Ocean included between Hawai'i, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Aotearoa (New Zealand).
The cultures from this area share a common origin and similar languages and traditions. Tattoos are no exception, and they evolved over time in distinct, recognizable, regional styles, the main ones being Marquesan, Samoan, Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori. Samoan Tatatu is known for its large pieces of symmetrical fine line work, Marquesan Patutiki is characterized by bold, geometric patterns that often cover large areas of the body, Maori Ta Moko is famous for its facial tattoos with the main lines carved into the skin using chisels, the only variation from traditional tapping.
You will find references to all the five styles on this website, and our books can help you further understanding and knowing the individual symbols.
While the introduction of modern tools made these tattoos more accessible to everyone around the world, this art remains sacred for Polynesian people. We encourage anyone looking for a Polynesian tattoo to study the meanings, understand the symbols, and, ideally, work with an artist who is knowledgeable in the authentic tradition to ensure the design is both meaningful and respectful. The true beauty, and power, of a Polynesian tattoo lies beyond its looks, in the story that it tells.
All articles on this website are accessible in the WIKI 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:
The ultimate resource to approach this art.
LIMITED 3x2 OFFERBUY NOW for