Thousands of tattoo designs are available on websites and in catalogues waiting to be selected. Tattoos in general are becoming more popular these days and it is tribal Polynesian designs that are becoming increasingly more common.

Polynesian tattoo designs come in two specific and different types, Etua is what the first of these is called. A spiritual and religious significance is tied to the Etua. In addition they offer defense against deities through their alleged magical properties.

The type of design known as Enata can be thought of as characterizing a person with their identity and status. Among them are the social status rank, island of descent, career choice and background.

Below you will find a list of Polynesian tattoo designs and their respective meanings.

Shark teeth: This tattoo means to protect. Firstly, shark teeth are symbolic of protection.

Turtles - A turtle symbol represents long life and fertility.

Shells - Polynesians equate shells with prosperity; this could be because they were once a form of money.

Sharks designs are a symbol that is very sacred. Polynesian shark tattoos are used as a symbol of protection from threats.

Gecko - People believe that geckos have supernatural powers and are feared but are also liked by the Polynesians. It is also believed that the laughing of a green gecko brings an awful omen of misfortune and illness.

Tiki gods are typically depicted with their eyes shut. This is because Tiki is able to smell trouble before it is seen.

The people of the Polynesian islands are spread far and wide. The cook islands, Samoa , Tonga, Easter island , Tahiti, French Polynesia and even Hawaii have a Polynesian heritage. The people across these islands developed into their own distinct cultures over thousands of years.

However what is fascinating is the cultural similarities that developed especially in the practice of tattoo artistry. However Polynesian tattoo designs of today do not mean as much in this day and age as people love them for the design rather than magical protection or a statement of status.

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Tags: Tattoos