polynesian/samoan symbols for tattoo. upper shulder-elbow

Looking for any site or book that can help me finish my tattoo design. Incorporating any osage indian symbols with polynesian/samoan mix. Need help with designs and finding symbols meanings. Would compare to "The Rocks" tattoo but a totally different meaning.

Check the Polynesian Tattoo site: www.tahititatou.com

I have been searching libraries,bookstores the net especially for Samoan symbols. I am fascinated by the art that im trying to find the symbols regarding strenght,honor,comradery, brotherhood, courage, loyalty, bravery, fearless, dependable, respectable. I am a firefighter and these symbols are so beautiful that i was wanting to get a tattoo of these symbols or a story describing these words. I would enjoy a respond Thanks for reading Stefan

In Samoa all villages have different symbols or motifs that distinguish their Strengths and religion, And I Warn you now, to use some of them without the blessing of the Elders of the Villages you will be cursed. But if you get permission from them you maybe ok, but then it is up to the Guardians of the Ancients. The TATAU " Samoa Pe'a (Tattoo) is very sacred, many young men die from it, because they did not follow protocol and the traditions behind them. Only a rare few Samoans are given the Skills of the Tatau, you must understand the legend and culture behind it, Samoa got the Tatau from 2 sisters who were from Fiji. But you can look and get some designs but go contempory, so that you don't get a visit from our Aitus. "Guardians"

I am samoan and I'm from the village of Pava'ia'i and Futiga of American Samoa. I too am looking for designs to make a TAULIMA for myself. I assure you that you will not be cursed by the legend of the TATAU. hahahahaha... But I must say if you are not Samoan and you are trying to get a samoan traditional tattoo...it is offending to our people. It's kind of like when someone wants to be something they are not. I guess you can say our traditional tattoos are basically made for our culture only. But I do have a family member who is caucasion, married to a samoan relative and he got the full body tattoo the old fashion way. (With the sharks teeth and all) Now if you can hang w/that...then you can be part of our culture anytime!! It's all a matter of why you are doing it? Okaaay... many blessings on your journey and if you find some ideas...hook me up and I shall do you the same. Take care and God bless.

You might want to do a little research on the art of Wilson Fitiao. He is a very popular artist when it comes to samoan tatoos and designs.

I am a young Samoan male that is very proud of our heritage, especially our tattoo's. I have noticed lately of many haoles supporting Samoan design. I even saw one with a full body (High Chief) style tattoo! Curiously I asked the person if he was of Samoan decent. His answer was "no", I saw and liked it and had it placed on his body. I strongly urge the talents of our tattoo designers to uphold the respect for the Tatau's or Pea's and utilize them on the Polynesian people. Selling one's heritage for a little bit of money is wrong.

ive been wanting to get a taulima since i was in high school...i dont know very many people in the tattoo community. if anyone knows where i can get some design ideas, please let me know. im afatasi, and ive always wanted to do something to represent my samoan culture. HOLLA!

go to hbtat2.com, they did mine its hella proper, c- yaaa

I have been looking around at all tatoo places, even on the internet for someone who has designs of a Taulima but from what I hear, if you want a Taulima tatoo, you must come up with your own design. Unfortunately I didn't go to well in art school, so my drawing skills are very poor. I am very anxious to get a Taulima on my arm, starting from my shoulder going all the way down to my forearm. I am not sure if you have seen Sonny B Williams (from the Canterbury Bulldogs football team) new tatoo on his right arm. It's the exact same way I would like to have mine done. Kind of like THE ROCK's (Dwane Johnson) tatoo. If anyone has any ideas or ways I can find out that someone can help me with what I am lokking for. Is there a web sight to go to that has samoan Taulima designs, basically anything. Thank you. Fereti.W

I am in search for a polynesian/tribal tattoo for my upper arm and possibly my back (one side) that represents that struggles between good and evil. I am fascinated by polynesian art and am hoping that there are symbols for both that can be designed together showing the need for good to prevail over evil. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. thanks

I am not Polynesian, but I work at a Polynesian tattoo shop with a very good reputation. I know the Samoan designs- we specialize in this type of work. If you are looking for a Polynesian tattoo- something to represent your heritage or otherwise, the best thing to do is find a Polynesian tattoo artist you like. This kind of work is done freehand right on the skin. The artist designs it specially for you- if there are specific designs and meanings that you want included in you tattoo, your artist will work with you on them. By getting custom work freehanded on you, you will ensure to get quality work that matches you and that no one else will have. This goes for all good Poly work whether it be a Taulima, a shoulder piece or anything else. Good luck!

Lookin for a polynesian tattoo shop in Seattle WA anyone know of any?? Phone numbers, websites, address, email, anything would be helpful!! Fa'afetai Te'le.....

Laura...thanks for that post...can we get your thoughts on tattooing Polynesian designs on non Polynesians?...Does it matter?Is there any bad kharma attached to it like in Maori tattooing on a non Maori? Thank you for your honest opinion!...TAz

Hmmm... Well, who one chooses to tattoo is up to the artist. I think there's nothing wrong with tattooing non- Polynesians with Poly. designs. However, it depends n what specific designs they get. Since all the work is custom, most of the time we use a language of desings that are combined in various ways. The desings by themselves mean certain things- ex. spear heads, sea birds, bricks, fern shoots, etc. But anyone can get them. There's nothing about restricting who can get Poly. desings. There are certain things, though, that only people of that culture should get. For example, I would never put a 'Ava bowl and a fue and talking stick on someone who isn't Samoan, since those are smbols of their culture. There's no bad karma or anything associated with non- Polynesians getting Poly. tattoos. I think that when someone gets tattoos from their own culture they hold a deeper personal meaning for them that is someone of a different background gets a similar design. I hope this helps... By the way, check out my work at www.flickr.com/photos/miss_laura Calick on the tattoos folder.

Laura, You do beautiful work in a beautiful place! Lucky you! Dana

Thank you!

We do a site for Dan DiMattia is very knowledgeable about the designs and how to honor the culture while giving very inspired tattoos.

In regards to all of the questions about "Non-Poly's" getting Poly tats, I can tell you from experience that it is a very important thing to the Poly's. I am married to a samoan woman. Her grandfather was a Chief in Pago Pago in American Samoa before he died. I am currently working on a huge tat covering both of my arms from the elbows up to my shoulders, around the back and chest. I had to go to each one of my father-in-laws family members in Samoa to get their blessing before even thinking about getting their heritage placed on me. It has now been about 6 months and I am just now getting the symbols together from each of the villages. I am not going with the traditional symbols either. I am trying to keep it more modern designed specifically for me. I have a friend in Cali that thought that it would be cool to get the Coconut Leaves and the Cava bowl (both signs of royalty). Needless to say, he got his first taste of Samoan fury about a week after the tat was done. Just be careful what you get put on your body if you are not in the position to get approval from the elders. You may not have a curse fall upon you, but you may find a heavy Samoan fist when you least expect it. Just be careful and make sure that you respect the culture. Later

In regards to all of the questions about "Non-Poly's" getting Poly tats, I can tell you from experience that it is a very important thing to the Poly's. I am married to a samoan woman. Her grandfather was a Chief in Pago Pago in American Samoa before he died. I am currently working on a huge tat covering both of my arms from the elbows up to my shoulders, around the back and chest. I had to go to each one of my father-in-laws family members in Samoa to get their blessing before even thinking about getting their heritage placed on me. It has now been about 6 months and I am just now getting the symbols together from each of the villages. I am not going with the traditional symbols either. I am trying to keep it more modern designed specifically for me. I have a friend in Cali that thought that it would be cool to get the Coconut Leaves and the Cava bowl (both signs of royalty). Needless to say, he got his first taste of Samoan fury about a week after the tat was done. Just be careful what you get put on your body if you are not in the position to get approval from the elders. You may not have a curse fall upon you, but you may find a heavy Samoan fist when you least expect it. Just be careful and make sure that you respect the culture. Later

all i gotta say is that any of you haole who want samoan tattoos or other native polynesian tattoos, do me a favor. please visit Samoa or whatever place you plan on stealing some sacred culture of, when your shit is healed. i DARE you to walk into a samoan fale with that shit. you'll get beat with something, for sure. NO RESPECT! if you admire the culture so much get a fucking painting or something. it's like nothing is sacred these days. but get these fuckers talking about desecrating THEIR religion, culture or ancestors, and we got anger all around and a bitchfest.

^^ a KAVA bowl tattoo?? wtf? lol

when will this tired shit end? i suppose only AMERICANS can get traditional american style tattoos? should we all take DNA tests to make sure our heritage renders us "worthy" for the design we choose the elitist attitudes on this forum make me want to projectile vomit. loving a culture and deeply understanding and cherishing it is the highest form of respect. nationalism is tiring and leads to even more prejudice, hatred, stereotyping, and general negativity. and don't pretend that every tattoo design YOU choose is teeming with meaning and symbolism. gimme a break. grow up, people.

I know really, its like okay because i have a chinese word tattooed on me i should be worried about being sucker punched by some offended chinese person.

we americans take from ALL cultures, so why not. it's our freedom. who's the elitist here?

It makes me sad when I see how ignorant people can be sometimes. No one is "stealing" from your culture, and no one is trying to harm it. Instead of acting like something is being taken from you, you should celebrate the fact that others are interested in what your culture has to offer. And since we are on this topic, it is people from your own culture who started spreading their tattooing and designs to people around the world. A historical tidbit- taulimas, or armbands, started being tattooed on people back when European sailors first traveled to Polynesia (Samoa, Tahiti, Marquesas, etc.) They wanted Poly tattoos, so the local tattoo artists gave them bands, so they can have Poly tats without getting a full body design. So who is stealing what anyway? Tattoos are a personal thing for everyone- who are you to judge? When people get those designs, they are done in a respectful way and mean no harm to anyone.

the issue as i see it is white people getting their tattoos. that is, the same people that tried to decimate all of these cultures, stole their land outright, treats them as subhuman, and steals their language from them now says "whoa bro, siqqq inkz" when they see something and can't even understand their meaning. if you want to appreciate their culture learn their language. go there for a vacation and don't be a tourist asshole. and underneath all of this is the fact that you are taking away the meaning of cultural heritage. tattoos in some ethnic groups are a right of passage. if everyone gets them, their original meaning and significance is bastardized. they are not something a gringo does on spring break to impress the bros of delta tau chi.

thank you

hi if u want any designs i can do you some which comes with a price, i do patterns that no one has ever seen or worn b4....hola

Hey Ive been searching the web for ideas for me and my brother and came across this page. Im a half cast,Im half samoan and half white. I recently finshed designing my cousins tattoo its a band around her leg and i found patterens from my local library for it. Now I dont know if your library have a section dedicated to pacific island but thats where I found my ideas. Now on the topic about tradition I think its ok to a limit as long as you dont go over board. And as for me Can you please keep posting websites or anything else to help me design me an my brothers tatt. Fanx

hey there everybody....Im here to tell you that if anybody wants a clean and perfect tattoo. You should come to America Samoa and look for a tattoo artist name Wilson Fitiao...He's the best in Samoan tattoo...believe dat...he's been doin it for 14 years now... ohhh and yeah it dont matter if your white,black,yellow or purple...This Art of Samoan Tattoo patterns can be shared with everybody... theres is no curse in tattoo...its a curse if you disrespect its meanings...every samoan pattern has a meaning and story from behind it...I know this cause Im a samoan tattoo Artist myself...

was thinkin bout gettin tat but do understand the poly side of the issue. lived on O'ahu for sometime and got to no da culture.I wouldnt have any dissrespect intended.

brossephs, im looking for a tattoo designer to draw up a tat based on the the samoan pe`a!!! not to be a direct rip off but more of an influence! the trouble is finding the right design and right tattooist! here in oz its hard to get both unless your looking for a shitfull flash design! ive got a samoan taulima on my right arm already, done the traditional way on the traditional land! is this going to curse me because im white?.........didnt think so! any info would be much appreciated!! manuia! cheers!

Hey, It you're on O'ahu, come to the Polynesian Tattoo Factory in Hau'ula. We specialize in custom Polynesian tattoos. Get more info at www.polynesiantattoofactory.com

Ok...im reading what everyone is saying about a white person getting a polynesian tattoo. I must say...I am not polynesian..I am white but I will be getting a polynesian tattoo. Before anyone gets mad and throws out opinions i must say my opinion. I know what several people are saying about its not my culture and all of that. But i lived in this culture until i was 10 years old. I lived in Hawaii and went to school there until i was 10. I have a deep appreciation for the culture that someone who just "visits" gets. While going to school there they taught me the language...and the dances among many other things. It is in my blood and will always be. But with the tattoo i will be doing it the right way. I will be having someone design it with MY life on it and things I beleive. Not like a lot of others who take what they think looks cool and throws it on their body. The tattoo will be done the right way. I do think theres a difference between me getting one and some random person whos never experienced the culture. You can let me know what you think if you want. Sincerely, Aaron aka : Aalona

How does one get in contact with a traditional Samoan tattooist, to learn the art, become an apprentice?

Uso- it's all about being in the right place at the right time. Most artists will discourage you from going into tattooing, so you kinda have to get lucky to get an apprenticeship. Good luck

I'm trying to do a project and needed symbology. I am fascinated by the Samoan symbols. Can anyone tell me where to find anything?

I'm trying to do a project and needed symbology. I am fascinated by the Samoan symbols. Can anyone tell me where to find anything?

Any good artist can pastiche a design without recreating it line for line.As for the race hate crap some of My Samoan Ainga get caught up in drop it. I yself am Scots and one quarter Maori from a chiefs lineage. I would wear a kilt and full face moku if i wanted too.but I do not.You donto educate someone by sucker punching him.Today I was he IRB sevens and some Samoan fellow was cursing haoles and tlakig to soem fijians who looked enbarrased som poor pld Pakeha maybe was there looking a little scared adn the guy screamed the USA sucks Australia sucks and so on. I had to intervene and remnd him or island peoples hospitality ,this is not faa Samoa to do such a thing.He as not qite the bully facing a 6'9 inch 350 pound hapa boy. ( I have a 38 inch waste and a 56 inch chest).He had many taooes on his arm and none were done the old fashiond painful way. I have a desgn on my cest done with pounded boars bristle and inserted with pebbles for scarification the old way.It was sealed with traditional methods and took me three weeks to recover.. My grandfather ordered it done after a saved a couple peoples lives in a storm at sea,it is dedicated to the Polynesian Sea God.Tangaroa By the way I am not a Christian and those who are that claim to be authenicate Polynesians protecting their culture who are Christians really make me laugh.But I do not threaten them

Would like to have the meanings of some Samoan tattoo symbols. I am Samoan and I am designing a tattoo for a friend who is also Samoan. He is getting married soon and I have to get this design done before then.

Aallii dude, so I was just scrolling through reading all the comments and respecting all points of view on the issues of non islanders getting Samoan tatts, despite being Samoan I personally feel It’s something we as a people should be proud of and willing to share with other cultures. As an aspect of artistic communication shrouded deep in tradition and ancient rituals, the Pe’a is battling an evolution is this modern age. Hence the hot topic, but as many may know Samoans as a people are extremely proud and hence the protective stance others have taken on the subject. (And not wanting it trotted on as just another passing fashion statement like that of the Asian symbols of the past just some joke that were all now laughing at, degrading the true meaning.) But, (Aallii) what I don’t get is your view on hatting Samoan’s who are of the Christian belief. Dude how did it get so off track? Well I can’t only think your laughing your ass off!! We’re a deeply religious people, and of yes a many array of beliefs not just the one. Why not stop telling us stories and instead talk to your aigna (sa family) and find out more on why many of us hold faith so close, hopefully they will educate you on Faa Samoa and in the mean time give you a lesson on respect of other faiths.

My partner has just got his arm done with Samoan designs on it. We know of a local Samoan guy here in Porirua/New Zealand that does it at his house, we are going back in a couple of weeks to extend it to his upper shoulder. I recommend you get a Pacific Islander to do your tattoo if you want island designs - The Tattooist we used he has gives the option of him drawing up the design or you providing him with the design or can discuss and mix and match

Im Hawaiian & my husband is German/Samoan. Im looking for something that is strong and powerful. My background comes from the Shark,Turtle(Honu),Lizard(Mo'o). Im looking for a design for the Shark Body,Turtle Shell & maybe in the middle of the turtle shell I'll add the Lizard eye. Could you please help me finish the design. Thank you very much!

malo to all im a maori boy who has samoan heritage.my father was only just informed that he was part samoan due to him being adopted.im proud of my samoan heritage and want to wear it proud but without the curse of wearing it without permission.im not to sure of my village so is there a national symbol that i can find to wear and proud of

im a samoan tattoo designer if your after some patterns just email me.

Talofa. My name is Riccy Boy Novera Jr., I am a student of the legendary Tufuga ta tatau Su'a Sulu'ape Petelo, and I am the owner of the Polynesian Tattoo Factory in Hau'ula, Hawaii. I will be tattooing in Tokyo, Japan from January 10th-20th. To book appointments or view art work, visit www.polynesiantattoofactory.com. Fa'afetai tele lava. Soifua, Riccy Boy Novera Jr.

I have been reading this thread for a little while now ... and I found it not only interesting/informing/humorous but as well very much turned into a bitchfest .... at any rate ... I am NOT Polynesian but rather Slavic in descent ... I am proud of My heritage and intrigued by so many more ... I have a 3/4 sleeve on My left arm of Samoan Tatau .. it was done by a great man, Mike Fatutoa, who owns and works out of a place in Vegas known as Sacred Center Tattoo .. He and Dennis there took the time to discuss and knowledge Me, as much as they could in a 12 hour visit about their heritage, their ancestry and history of tatau ... you see ... they are very proud of who and what they are ...so proud that they infact are honored to tattoo those of us that TRULY demonstrate respect and honor to the Samoan culture .... so please dont take it was disrespect or for it being wrong if the entire meaning is one of respect, intrigue and beauty ... it is sacred do not get Me wrong ... but be proud that so many acknowledge and love the beauty of who and what you are .... God Bless .... Bitchin' SIIX Nineteen Thirty3 Tattoo and Body Piercing

Wow, I'm sorry to say but as a Samoan I think it is awesome that people who are not of Samoan decent are so facinated with the Samoan art that they would get it tattooed. I feel that anyone who is not Samoan gets a Samoan tattoo I see it as "sharing" our culture. I myself am not a tattoo artist however I have done many designs for folks who have had them done Samoan and non, If anyone is still looking for help with symbols, designs, bands etc I would be glad to assist, will even show you some of my work.

It's interesting that so many of you are against non-Samoans having traditional tatoos. I happen to be of Scots/Norwegian descent, but grew up around Samoans. I now do woodburning that incorporates traditional Samoan designs. I have been told many times, but big Samoans, that I should sell my designs to a tattoo artist. Now, wouldn't it be ironic if I designed my own tattoo only to offend someone by wearing it? Or perhaps it's ok for me to design pakes, boxes, and paintings as long as I don't have my artwork stamped into my skin? Culture is about more than where you were born or who your parents are. They say that imitation is the scencerest form of flattery. Why not just accept the compliment?

my mother is of samoan culture and my father fijian so i have got'n a tattoo that represents both mixed together i love it and what it reps for me...but i am the whitest in my family and hate the way girls look at an disrespect me epecially samoan for my tattoo because of my colour when they dont know me My grandfather is white with green eyes thats where i get my colour,..

Aloha to everyone. A very interesting read here. lots of opinions. lots of views. yes it is very important that if you seek Polynesian and any other cultural tattoos that you seek with earnest and respect for that culture. Keep Sharing!!! polynesiantatau.com

all i know is that when i went and got mine, tapa tapa style the people that did it were very excited. i got mine to symbolize wisdom, loyalty brotherhood and strength, and i decided to use that form of getting tattood as a way to show that i respect the way things used to be and because i love the islander mindset and lifestyle. It's our memories of traditions that make them special. And for me getting my four bands on my leg were very special and one of the happiest moments of my life

I believe that its alright for non-samoans to get our designs tattooed on them just as long as its a Samoan tattooist that does it or a tattooist who has been taught and learnt the meanings behind the Samoan Tatau from a Samoan Tattooist.To me being a Samoan It would be disrespectful if someone that is not Samoan or someone who has not learnt the meaning behind the Samoan Tatau by a Samoan Tattoist, to just tattoo the Samoan designs on anyone just cause they like the style or because a client wants it. Its something Your born with or taught from the right people, not just something you see in a book or on the net then decide to tattoo.

If anyone is looking for someone that can handle POLY ink, the best in the biz is Mike Fatutoa "Samoan Mike", Dennis Mata'afa & Francis Ramento of Sacred Center Tattoo in Las Vegas. Check out their work at www.sacredcentertattoo.com. Some of the best in contemporary polynesian ink I've ever seen! As for all the race haters out there. Imitation is the biggest for of flattery. If hapa haole wants to get inked like the rest of us uso's why should you care. remember tattooing started in the South Pacific, so the whole thing came from our people. And hapa haole knows what he's doing... he married into my family. He has done his reaserch and got the needed input from us hamo's to not use inappropriate designs in his pieces. And for the moron that stated he wished that non-poly's visit the culture from where they are getting their inspiration. He did... for 16 years he lived in American Samoa!!! Probably longer than some of us have been there.

I know a lot of palangis with pe'a. Most all of them got them in (Western) Samoa, Many From Sua Petelo, who was widely known and respected. Most palangis weren't interested in a full pe'a, just a band usually or something similar. It varied what people got and how happy they were with it. Some had problems and had to have redos or corrections done. I knew one palangi who got a full body tatoo, a traditional tatto but he was able to get it over a longer period of time. He earned it, not just by going through it but he spent a lot of time with people and helped a lot of people many times by doing work for them that they were grateful for. So if you've spent time in Samoa you know how things work and if you do things for people it's not a matter of if you can get them to help you get a tatoo, it's more like you have to accept them doing something for you in return and if it's a tatto you want then that will be fine too. He has a pe'a and his samoan friends have the memories and stories of how he helped them and how he got his tattoo. . Both the tattoo and memories are more or less permanent. For instance, another friend returned to samoa and was walking down the street in Apia and someone recognized him and greeted him by name, this was after twenty years. One of his Samoan friends had named their son after him, and he was able to meet him, not a tattoo but that means something too. So, if you want to get a tattoo you can no doubt get one, but what you wind up with will depend on what you yourself bring to it. If you spend enough time in Samoa and get to know some people there, you may wind up with a nice one.

As i just finished the book Tatatua`s from paradise i found out that the traditional tatoos arent just for the local polynesian people. Cpt. Cook witnessed himself that a member of his crew got a tatatua from the "magician" of the island of haiti in exchange for a payment of animals. They describe the process of the ritual with precision and also the healing-process. A couple of chapters later you can read how a French explorer (of the marquesas islands) also got a tatatua. I fully respect the traditions and way of the polynesian people but, as it is recorded in history, even outlanders could get a tatatua. So in my opinion artists who "give" tatatua`s to non-polynesian persons are not betraying their culture rather expanding it by showing the world where the art originated and also the fact that the polynesian tatatua is the most beautiful form of this art in the world. (i do have to mention that the tatatua the explorers got was that of the lowest class of society, the class which could only afford a tatatua given by a novice. Difference in tatatua`s from the "magicians" and novices appear to be clearly distinguished)

Well iv read every comment on this page regarding non-polys getting poly tattoos, and i agree with the people who say its ok to get a tattoo, im from scotland, an i am getting a poly in a few weeks, im getting a sun, and sharks teeth on my tattoo, the rest is just the symbols with the weaving like patterns on the inside. this tattoo is getting done by an italian women who specialises in poly work and im really happy thats who is going to be doing it for me, im getting this tattoo, because, 1. I do think it looks really really cool, and if thats a problem well you will have to live with it, because you wouldnt get a tattoo u dont like. 2. I am fascinated with the polynesian designs, i read about them constantly and love looking at all the different designs people have got, and i also am really intruiged with the traditional tapping method of getting a tattoo done. Im not getting these tattoos to offend anyone, im getting them because i like them, if it was such a problem, they would not be permitted to be done over seas and not on a samoan island, i would like to hope samoan tattooists would be happy to see their work spread across seas to other places, i mean i wouldnt be angry if they had a thistle on there body, i do, iv got a scottish thistle tattooed on my other arm, and to all the haters out there, and i know there will be plenty, dont get angry about something you feel you have to, just because someone likes your culture and is fascinated by your tattoo designs, it doesnt mean you can have a go at them because they are not samoan themselves, its their body and their choice, and if the tattoo artirst is willing to desing for them, then tuff, but i hope you all understand where im coming from.

Hi guys, I have been reading all your comments and its really interesting thanks! I noticed though, that alot of people had posted questions on the symbolism of the design details of Samoan tattoos. However, no one had given an actual link to this information. I am completing a fashion degree and I am incorporating the traditional design elements of Samoan tattoos. I myself am Samoan and I want to tell the story of my ancestors and their struggle through this. So anyone out there, can you give me a book or website on the symbolism? Thanks.

Its good to hear different opinions on this subject. Its easy too see why people are so passionate about it one way or the other. Ive been planning my 3/4 poly sleeve for about 18 months now and am getting it done in two weeks time. The patterns have special meaning for me, although i am not of polynesian descent. I have researched the meanings and read a book called "tattoos from paradise" which is wild! I have alot of good kiwi and poly mates who ive played rugby with for years and they are heaps happy for me to get it done. They see it as flattery rather than disrespect, i dont think i would have got it if they thought otherwise. In the end, there are always going to be people who are for and against aussies like me getting a poly tattoo. But as long as my mates have got my back then im happy to go ahead with it. Hopefully i dont run ito any massive angry samoans who dont agree. Peace out crew!

Talofa' You guys talk as if Samoans are gonna eat you alive if you get a samoan style tatau...LoL'...Samoans are some of the nicest people you will ever meet...Get whatever the fuck you want on your body..."It's your body" Big J

I may be of help, have a samoan artist that might help dee

i got an armband done with fijian and samoan pattern as my dads fijian and my mum is samoan...i am white with green eyes due to my parents having white fathers and dark mothers...it saddens me when i see my own cultures ( samoan fijian ) just looking at me judging me when they dont even know me....

I've been wanting a tattoo that represents my samoan heritage and am trying to find the perfect one that fits me and the village i was born which was manu'a i need help on some ideas.

okay people to this topic of curse and stuff i really want to finish it i am 16 and born in guatemala but my family is from everywhere italy,france,even switzerland, and i do got to say u got to respect others cultures and religions am not saying dont get a poly tatoo no contrare it is more famous you are making our culture my grandma was born on Apia one of the most beautiful lands for me and alot of history.. the point is get your own history tattoed in your body because it is disrespecful and no point just to impress you friends... SO GO OUT THERE AND GET ONE JUST WITH YOUR HISTORY PLS!! AM GETTING ONE NEXT YEAR WITH MY HISTORY AND(A PROMISE TO HELP MY COUNTRY!! GUATEMALA) AND BY THE WAY I LOVE SAMOA AND YOUR CULTURE AND RESPECT ALL OF YOU.. AND PLS PEOPLE STOP GETTING THE ROCKS TATOO GET YOUR HISTORY IS LUCKIER

hey retard why dont you come up with your own design instead of steeling the rocks design anyways it would look gay on you you couldent pull it off . u are proly some skinny loser get a life queer.

There's a Hawaiian artist that works in LA at Black Wave Tattoo that goes by the name of "C" (a.k.a Seymour Kaniho) He owned a shop in Hawaii for 5 years and been tattooing for 24 years. He also does Tatau (traditional hand tapping) which he learned from Sua Sulu'ape Petelo. this guy does sick Polynesian Tattoos.

Hey, hows it goin? I am 18 years old and since I was little I have wanted to get a Polynesian tattoo, i became interested in them when I was very little and lived in hawaii for a few years. Just seeing the tattooed guys twirling fire, dancing and everything, mind you I was at the polynesian cultural center a lot loved it there and so did my family. I am Filipino and respect the culture of samoans, hawaiians, and other pacific islanders. And I would really like a Polynesian half sleeve that went onto my chest, but unfortunately I cannot find one and I am not talented enough to make one can anyone help me?

Attn:Hapa-Haole....i noticed you posted from jacksonville,fl?did you get your work done locally or around the state because i am trying to find a shop who specializes in it but it is hard with this market.if you did,it would be awesome if you could let me know where because id like to get one done without having to travel to the west coast,if possible.thanks!

Okay, everyone seems to be arguing one extreme or the other. Here's the bottom line: Not everyone who wants to get a Polynesian tattoo is spitting in the face of Polynesian people or stealing their culture, etc etc. That being said, tattoos in that culture often tell a story about the person's family heritage, status in their tribe, etc, so blatantly COPYING designs is wrong and disrespectful. Look on the internet, there are a lot of tattoo artists that have studied Polynesian history, have a deep respect for it, and can design you a nice tattoo that does not wrip off family ancestry, but still contains the soul of the beautiful artistic style. There's nothing wrong with that.