Polynesian Tattoo Symbols and Meanings - TATtalk 1

IslandTAT Evolve tattoo shop hosts a LIVE show where artists with years of tattooing experience talk about Tattoos, Culture and show some tutorials.
In this segment, Josh Elsas breaks down the symbols used in this tattoo and his clients story.
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[@Seven_Craig]

Brother I love your work! It really shows your passion. When I was in the Marines ststioned in the Pacific I was able to experience true island culture. Im greatful to have had those experiences. Its hard for me to explain but I feel connected to the Ploynesian tattoo. I love how they tell a story. Brother keep up your great work.

[@ianaline5164]

The elbow part is Marquesas island style. Love the whole work. Beautiful

[@PlusTenGaming]

Thanks for the video for the longest time content explaining what the meanings were was never on KZbin or hardly anywhere for that matter; I used to draw but stopped because I didn’t know the meanings. I even looked up books but there were patterns and variations That were explained or even elaborated on for that matter. This helps me get started again and hope make my Polynesian ohana proud with creating designs with meaning behind it💯

[@ufa7429]

My white German aunty got a Samoan half sleeve which was pretty emotional and THAT to me has meaning... As a Polynesian I accept ppl who would LOVE to get one I think that's great but only if our culture truly impacted you, touches you in some way but don't randomly decide to get a tribal tattoo just bcoz its "cool" 💕💕

[@keewaibk7947]

Your a joke then . You don’t respect your culture enough

[@keewaibk7947]

I’m tongan . And I don’t want palangis having our tribals or having our ways in general . Tuh . Get a grip uso they exploit our culture for money se kefe

[@OctaneStreet]

The meaning behind the tattoo is equally as beautiful as your execution of it, aka the ink. Regardless of what someone might say, that's how it should be. Great job, and great job explaining the process and meaning.

[@georgevanhouten415]

Miss you buddy..... Thank you for sharing this..... I love this sooooo much.... My leg needs to get your eyes on it.... It is amazing.... Thank you for the gifts..... Love you brother.....George

[@JonesingUSAF]

So cool to hear someone “young” like this that really gets the pono of traditional inks! Love it braddah 🤙🏻

[@hawaiian_hugo_stiglitz7583]

"Traditional inks"? Have you ever set foot in the Pacific?

[@Spooki_]

Respect. Would love to see more of these in the future 🤙🏼

[@thevikingtitan7555]

Wow thank you for sharing a nice story with us.

[@oldrrocr]

IMHO, this is the best work of art in the form of a tattoo that I've ever seen. I'd get one, except I don't want to upset the Hawaiians I might encounter. Maybe next life... beautiful artwork!

[@kylemcmahon9777]

Good to see a young braddah try to explain the design and patterns....

[@lylehaywood2766]

I would like to get tattoo like this,but ment for me,I am from South Africa and don’t really have a tradition or family history,but I want to be the start of that tradition for my future generations to come

[@latenightthinker4737]

I would start by viewing some historical and ancient art from the peoples and cultures in which you are from and identify with, then taking a look at some younger South African artists and see how they blend the past and present. I'd study how different designs mean different things and how they came to be. Then I'd write a lot, just write down my thoughts about everything about me. I know personally, I'd want every line to have meaning. I've read that some Austronesian tattoo artists take literally everything into consideration. They think about your blood type, your job, your dreams and aspirations, your home town, your school, you astrological signs, and even as far as your grandparents jobs. All of that condensed into these intricate lines. It doesn't have to be that way if you want to keep it simple, but I think the more personal it is to you, the more special and deep it is.

[@dj_dadi]

Wow. I hope i can meet you and have u ink my first tattoo. Ive always drawn to polynesian tattoos and its meaning. There are a lot of nice designs but i wanted a design that meant for me and represent ME, my KIDS and my FAMILY.

[@brandonradford6478]

Im white as it gets, I’m not Poly and designed my own tattoo that has meaning for me in the Poly tradition. I honestly have loved their tattoos since I was a young kid - I believe as long as yours means something to you that should be all that matters! All out of respect 🤝🏼

[@keewaibk7947]

Weirdo get Nordic tribals why ours ??!!

[@doggpound9319]

Lol naw, if you're not poly then you have no right wearing poly tribal.

[@GiordanoBruno42]

​@@doggpound9319If you ask an elder they will tell you outsiders getting poly tattoos is a positive thing as long as they treat it with respect and spend time learning about the symbols. Remember that our elders are from a generation where outsiders told them that they shouldn't express the traditional culture, so the older generation typically find it to be positive when outsiders appreciate poly culture. I hope this attitude eventually convinces the young ones, because I don't like this "tattoos our ours" attitude

[@GiordanoBruno42]

​@@keewaibk7947Ask an Elder what they think my man

[@sia8778]

@@GiordanoBruno42Are you samoan?

[@stonkma9224]

beautiful tattoo

[@petesonhoward3235]

Great tattoo

[@XavierP333]

I'm White/Mexican and I have Polynesian/Filipino tattoos because I have two sons with a Polynesian/Filipina woman. That's the only reason why I have them.. to represent my two son's culture. A tribal Filipino tattoo artist is currently working on my left arm sleeve gradually and he told me "Hey Kuya(bro), much respect to you"

[@GiordanoBruno42]

You never need to justify. The Elders of poly cultures will tell you that it is a beautiful thing that you got those tattoos. It is only Americanized young ones who want only poly people to appreciate and use poly tattoo.

[@Guknowit]

That's beautiful man!

[@sprtsgalore]

Dope video

[@richierewinds]

Im Dominican, and Taino, but im not sure if i could go for a Samoan/Polynesian style tattoo. Like i love the beauty of how it looks, what represents, and the story. But sometimes idk if im even allowed to go for it

[@GiordanoBruno42]

If you ask ANY Polynesian elder, from any of the Polynesian cultures, you will be told that they love it when non-polynesians appreciate the tattoos enough to have them on their bodies. The older generation of Polynesians were often told that it was bad to express their traditional culture, so to see outsiders celebrating it is an unexpected and positive thing to the elders. As long as you spend sufficient time designing the tattoo, with respect and knowledge of the symbols, then you are absolutely fine to get a Polynesian tattoo!

[@Eloteeoh]

There are patterns that are specific to certain islands.. Polynesian tattoos are so popular now , some people just make up their own interpretation like this video...it’s not bad, the pc is nice..just different

[@phillipparedes6444]

I see your point. It kind of like cooking... One can stick to 'traditional' flavors and there are those that modernize the recipe...

[@josephnaki2785]

HOOOOOOOO THIS GUY IS SERIOUS SERIOUS!! Like an interview with the artist and he will be straight up if he ain't for you then he ain't for you.

[@teikirocton500]

the pattern on the elbow is a Marquesan symbol which represents the cross of our ancestors

[@garrygarcia5008]

Do filipino tribal tattoos use some of the same designs and symbols as polynesian tribal tattoo?

[@FC-bo2hn]

No, filipino tribal tattoos are way more different from polynesian tattoos because filipino tribal tattoos uses it’s own symbols. It’s flows are connected in a way but not the symbols

[@latenightthinker4737]

they're similar in some ways. It's like language families, these tattoo's stem from Austronesian tribes so filipino tattoos and polynesian tattoos technically fall under the same "family"

[@maximusspencer4780]

Whos this artist and where is he located?

[@jho-jhomayores6826]

I love poly tattoo..

[@rachellefrias5959]

Where do you live/ work? How long is your wait list?

[@keokibutler6696]

His shop is in San Diego and his wait list is about 3 months or more

[@faustinot9313]

On elbow is marquesian /tahitian. Spearhead pattern mostly samoan pattern. Triangles are mostly hawaiian.

[@SpongebobsRippedPant]

Spearhead is Samoan. You can find it in our patterns in photos from 1900

[@moekontze116]

This is where it is sad. Samoa Measina had been exposed n copied by the world over.

[@josephnaki2785]

I found the great prefect person so give me my first tattoo

[@tomasitukana2587]

I would love to get this. Still a tattoo virgin and this would be amazing to have as a first one

[@mariaerrani531]

Can women get tiki on their chest?

[@alexandersek4303]

What kind of Polynesian tattoos are there ?

[@bianchamatthews5665]

Too many to name, honestly.

[@singko40]

Mhm. What if im half Micronesian and half Polynesian? Chuuk/samoan?

[@kaipo8489]

When someone is not polynesian and have a ploynesian tatoo is hilarous!

[@hawaiian_hugo_stiglitz7583]

Or when someone makes up a bunch of bullshit about the cultures of the Pacific? So they can sell expensive tattoos with hollow and fake meaning, to desperate clowns trying to fuck ratchet bitches at cheap bars.

[@aidantaylor117]

@@hawaiian_hugo_stiglitz7583 ong🤣like get it for you dude. Make it your own story. It has meaning. Being non poly and getting a tat I'm not against. I don't mind. I'm only like a quarter Tongan but it's when dudes get it to be cool and fuck hoes. I'm excited for mine. I'm designing it. Showing my struggles my body has had with injuries. The pain I've had with lose of loved ones whether in death or just leaving. It's my design means something to me. Just for me. Don't care about no hoes this for me not you

[@kool_e_kush8538]

@@aidantaylor117 i agree with you on that,even i hardly know anything about the culture or the different types of tattoos like this,because there are alot of them,but i do think about getting a tattoo like this or like the samoan,because its has alot of meaning,am like a person who is peaceful,so the samoan would be nice,but like the polynesian tattoo resembles strength,and also talks about what you have been through in life

[@aidantaylor117]

@@kool_e_kush8538 exactly man! it’s for you. i see random white dudes or Chinese or russian people with them. it can be hilarious but when you get it out of respect for the culture and respect for yourself then it doesn’t matter where you are from. i can’t say it will look natural on every person but😂 only get it if you respect it. it’s a long and painful process not gonna lie and yeah i want to look cool and have a sick ass design. there’s nothing wrong in wanting that. the cool thing about it tho is it will be a reflection of myself as well as something dope asf. but let’s be real too. girls being attracted to it is just a plus lol but only comes when you respect yourself, the ink, and the culture first tangata monūʻia!

[@aythree1]

@@aidantaylor117 Such a weird thread. How do you even know other people's intentions? Probably should mind your business.

[@jimfrankovich2339]

It's funny when people get tats of shit they don't know anything about. My neighbor got some Japanese writing on his chest. Come to find out the tat artist didn't like him and put "I am gay" in Japanese. His dumbass didn't know for a couple of years. LOL. He was pissed when he found out. Bhahaha,hahaha

[@N-e-o1]

Constructive criticism: I would change your name to Island Tat or Island Tattoo. It's more marketable and appealing to the eyes.

[@heartlessproduction]

South east asia start tatoo

[@ualredyknow7437]

No sorry mate, comes from samoa, the only island never stop old traditional tattoo, the word tattoo comes from samoan tatau , as the European couldn't say tatau

[@ufa7429]

As long he doesn't get a pe'a or a malu... Sacred(samoan) tattoo idk abt the other Polynesian races..

[@anapylnova6214]

hey everyone, I'm Russian, I live in China and meditate very often, I study Buddhist and Polynesian topics for myself. I read that manta ray means good intuition, resourcefulness in difficult situations, tell me if this is so? I want to know if this tattoo suits me. Please correct me if I read something wrong.I also read a lot about Polynesian tattoos and I'm very interested in Your culture. I hope on adequate answer please. 😂Peace to all ✌️

[@calvinahnee1919]

I'm a Hawaiian and I read about Russian and Slavic culture and langues. Love and respect to you.

[@Agilosi]

Learned your head it’s Polynesian

[@pantae2946]

😂😂😂

[@malos868]

Just heats up your tattoos mixed with other tribe

[@hawaiian_hugo_stiglitz7583]

Hawaiian tattoos are simple patterns and usually have extremely simple underlying meaning. Not animals and flowers. Mainly geometric shapes. Also most of what the artist is saying sounds exactly like that astrology bullshit.

[@e2dwf976]

Yes the young tattoo artist is making up stuff like he knows what he talking about just to bring people to make more money 💰 ..the tattoo is Samoan sleeve style with his make up designs..sad

[@GabeSutton21]

@@e2dwf976 you guys are idiots leave your comments to yourself next time they're just negative judgment.

[@e2dwf976]

@@GabeSutton21 get lost you don’t understand

[@mcsuchnsuch]

I agree. Flower of life? 😂 Might as well add some barbed wire tribal and some Celtic knots.

[@hawaiian_hugo_stiglitz7583]

@@GabeSutton21 I'm talking about Hawaiian traditional tattoos, amd how the "artist" is just making shit up. Not negative judgement. It's called observation. I exist in this realm, I was born and raised in Hawaii, I am Native Hawaiian, and I have extensive knowledge of my culture. You, like the "artist" in this video, are a sack of shit, and a liar.

[@kingjamesalex]

Home isn’t what you’re born into, home is where you chose to be. And if in this short life you decide that you want to use the traditions of Polynesians to share you’re story on your body, you should go for it. Just leave a manual so that your family will know what it means.

[@keewaibk7947]

Yall don’t even be Polynesian 😂😂😂 wearing our history like it’s something to play with .. 🇹🇴 🇼🇸 🇫🇯 🇫🇲

[@manulafrmaboise868]

What if I’m 20% Samoan and 40% Native American and palagi can I still get a tatau

[@keewaibk7947]

@@manulafrmaboise868 💯💯

[@nihilis7819]

🇦🇸🇼🇸

[@chromeheartss8199]

dont gotta be just to get the tattoo. as long as you know the meaning of it your should he fine

[@keewaibk7947]

@@emayearewhy7072 you sound dumb an ignorant

[@douglasjuniorchonglee1022]

Bro thats a samoan pattern... dont lie to people.... even the hawaiian knows there own pattern.... dont make money off of things you know nothing about.....

[@markaudrey7634]

Leviticus 19:28 English Standard Version 28 You shall not make any (A)cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.

[@markaudrey7634]

Repent before it's to late no joke wake up 📣📣📣 Let us fear God 📣📣📣 The kingdom of God is very very near 📣📣📣 Jesus is coming very very soon 📣📣📣

[@Lowtan]

🤣😂🤣😂 go read your book that has been edited by man a million times. I'm sure it's all truth

[@islandtat]

Aloha Mark, Thank you for that verse. Does this verse mean that we should not tattoo or make any cuts on our body " FOR " the dead... or just in general? Im interested to hear how you interpret this verse. Mahalo

[@musicgal9830]

Remember when Jesus came majority of the Old Testament bible verses were nullified. They were only created for a certain people at a certain point in time to achieve a certain outcome. The only laws that are now valid are ones in the New Testament and it doesn’t allude to tattooing being a sin.

[@yaboip]

👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽

[@dragzuwong6486]

Filipino adopt their tattoo from samoan like all other polynesian culture. Samoan has the legit tattoo sh*t and meaning. All others are culture vultures🙄

[@miamor5929]

You understand early human migration right ?? The people from polynesia came from South East asia There are similar patterns use in Ph Like the eagle pattern famously use for Samoan women thighs the native dances in Ph similar to tonga also dna blood test. Samoa, Tonga, etc are cousins in a way, same look, skin and share similar blood A native person from Ph has got a closer tie than somebody in Norway but youre ok with white people getting poly tat from Sweden right ?

[@phillipparedes6444]

Wrong!!!.. learn yo' history before talking sh*t..

[@dragzuwong6486]

@@phillipparedes6444 what history do you have, the one Europeans white wash you with?? We know damn well filipino didn't have any or capable of tattoo 😅😅

[@phillipparedes6444]

Just to school you real quick... in the 1500's, before the Islands were called the 'Philippines' it was documented by the Spaniards that saw us as 'the lslands of the painted ones'.. so yup.. we had tribal markings waaayyy back then too...it was called 'tatak'... The word 'tatau' was documented in the mid 1700's that was later translated to english as "tattoo".. so at the end of the day, nobody really knows which culture is first...

[@GabeSutton21]

If you are samoan you are giving your people a bad rep. If the tribal patterns are true to you and still tell your story it is legit. Stop keeping shit so divided its ignorant.

[@hepzibahbeulah8961]

*By the hand of the HOLY LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, may death be casted upon “ALL “witches, warlocks, and wizards. For it is written, Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live ~ Exodus 22:18.*

[@islandnerd0047]

most polynesians and micronesians are Christian/catholic, alot of symbols that we use for our tattoos symbolize family and serenity