The Polynesian tattoo tradition
Polynesian tattooing (tatu in Sanskrit) is one of the oldest tattoo traditions in the world, with a 2000+ year history. The Maori culture of New Zealand perfected ta moko — a facial tattoo that tells the genealogical history of the wearer. Each line, each spiral, each geometric pattern has specific meaning.
Basic elements of the tribal vocabulary:
- Spiral (koru) — new life, unfurled fern
- Zigzag line — shark teeth, power, aggression
- Circle with central dot — sun, eternal life
- Repetitive geometric pattern — clan, genealogy
- Intercalated curved lines — waves, connection to the sea
Cultural attention: traditional Maori tattoo (ta moko) is considered sacred by the Maori people — a non-Maori wearing it can be considered offensive. For non-Maori clients, we work in kirituhi — a style inspired by ta moko but that does NOT use specific genealogical symbols.
