Polynesian
The body art of the early people's of the Polynesian islands. Composed of but not limited to geographically The Polynesian triangle, with Polynesian styles such as, Hawaiian, Marquisian, Samoan and New Zealand (Maori) and many more who's Polynesian styles use shapes and patterns derived from their local geography and nature. The shapes and patterns are composed upon and influenced by the shape and flow of the musculature and human form. Often the style of tattoo was acquired as a right of passage for different stages in the life of the wearer. Signifying and celebrating community and familial roles. Some pieces were applied to provide protection or abundance. The tattoos were often a representation of the different components of the wears lineage experience beliefs and social status. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tatu.
