Marquesan Tattoo

So wearing a Marquesan tattoo is a way to show a distinction between the Polynesians, marking their rank and social importance.

Tattoos are so ubiquitous around the world these days, it’s easy to barely even notice them at all. But there’s one place where the tattoos are so distinctive and artful they stand out from the inking seen anywhere else. That place is the remote and rugged Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.

Maori Arm Tattoo Design

Description, origin and purpose of Polynesian tattoos through the study of their symbolism

INTRODUCTION TO POLYNESIA The Pacific Ocean covers one-third of the planet and washes the shores of numerous island chains, including Polynesia that literally means "many islands." Roughly

A comprehensive guide to Marquesan tattoos: origins, history, meanings, common themes and tattoo ideas.

A design for my bicep i am working on. uses the following motifs: 1) Top - Ipu: Vessel, bowl, cup or dish. Bowls or ipus have various uses and importance, some according to the materials used and by whom these utensils could be used by, often the tattoo being the designator in its use also. Its deepr meanings i will not go into here! :) The lower part of this design has PUPUA' the arms of a Tiki or person. 2) Bottom - Matahoata: The eyes of a person or TIKI, MATA meaning eyes. HOATA means…

Who said tattoos can only be in the form of drawings or symbols? A lot of tattoo designs consist of words and phrases that are as beautiful to the eye as the most intricate ink painting. Word tattoos are as powerful as any other image you might want to put on your skin. And come to think of it, letters are also symbols, so if you are thinking of getting a word or a phrase tattoo, go for it!