Tribal, Maori and Polynesian Tattoo

Tribal Tattoos: An Ancestral Tradition

Tattooing has been part of spiritual cultures such as Tribal Tattoo, Neo-tribal Tattoo, Maori Tattoo, Polynesian Tattoos, or those performed in Samoa or Aotearoa tribes in New Zealand. For many tribal societies, tattooing was a ritual used to mark the life transitions and even more. Maori and Polynesian tribes are the most popular around the world. In these societies, the social position was inked in the skin of their members. The members of the tribe or the cultural system were then able to read these marking. Only them and few initiated tattoo artist who have deeply studied the wonderful knowledge and wisdom of Maori and Polynesian tattoo cultures.

Polynesian Tattoos

The origin of Polynesian Tattoos is open to debate. However, the term Polynesian or Polynesia incorporates many tribes from parts of Southeast Asia. These tribes include Hawaiians, Tahitians, Marquesans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, Samoans, Niueans, and Maori. Polynesian people have used the tattoo to express their identity. There was no writing in these cultures and Polynesian tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchical society. Nearly everyone in the community was tattooed. The most popular Polynesian tattoo design is the turtle shell. The sea is important for Polynesian people. Turtles represent peace and longevity, whilst the shell is a protective shield tattoo for the bearer. Shark Polynesian tattoos represent strength and courage, that’s why they are also a popular demand.

Maori Tattoos

The Maori are an indigenous tride that originated in New Zealand. They are known for the way they mark their body with what they call moko, which is the art of Maori tattooing. Each Maori Tattoo body art is built with significant design elements that symbolize the bearer life experience. The whole is called Manawa, as the Maori Tattoo has to be seen as a complete representation of the lifetime on the hearth. 

In New-Zealand, Maori Tattoos are sacred. It has been brought over from Polynesia, and some meanings and patterns are similar even today. For local Maori tribes, the head is the holiest body part, and therefore, facial Maori Tattoos are common. Tattooing, a part of the culture, began during adolescence and are connected with social status, power, and territories. In the Maori people's culture, moko means tattoo. A Maori Tattoo artist is called the tohunga ta moko, which means moko specialist.

The Ahu ahu mataroa is a popular design, which shows physical aptitude and accomplishment. The  Unaunahi symbolizes wealth and wellness are is easily recognizable by its fish pattern.  What will be your next Maori tattoo? 

What About Your Next Tribal Tattoo?

At The Black Hat Tattoo Dublin, we have two artists that have established the link between theses ancestral tribes and us. We are proud to say that they are passionate about this and what they bring for us is amazing. Each of these tribal tattoo designs is unique and custom-designed for you in your favorite style. Tribal or Maori Tattoos have to be considered as completely different languages with each of them having their own standards and rules to follow. 

If you are looking for one of the best tattoo studios in Dublin to get a meaningful ancestral tribal tattoo, you are in the right hands with the fantastic guys and gals we have here at The Black Hat Tattoo Dublin.