FAQ About The Cultural Significance of Tattooing in Polynesian Societies

Although there are commonalities, tattooing practices often differ significantly between Polynesian islands, such as Samoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Each culture has unique motifs, techniques, and customs unique to their histories and social structures. For example, Samoan tattooing ("tatau") involves extensive designs over the lower body and is often performed in ceremonial contexts, while Māori tattooing ("ta moko") focuses on facial designs that tell personal and ancestral stories.