FAQ About The Cultural Significance of Tattooing in Polynesian Societies

Traditional Polynesian tattooing is performed using tools made from natural materials, such as bone, tusks, or shells, carved into comb-like instruments. The tattooing process is a sacred ritual, often conducted by a highly respected tattoo master, known as a "tufuga" or "tahua." Ink is made from natural ingredients like soot or plant dyes. The process is lengthy and painful, emphasizing the wearer's endurance and commitment to their cultural values and identity.