There are two distinct types of Polynesian (or Tahitian, words we'll use interchangeably) tattoo. The foremost is Enata. Enata designs are natural designs that come to stand for a person's life history, island of origin, social level, category of work done, so on in example if you were a fisherman, you could have a symbol that is there to defend you from dangerous sharks, or to defend your fishing vessel.
The other category of Polynesian tattoo is the Etua. This form has a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious which means that to it. These symbols could show particular honor to one or further people in a tribe, or offer protection from (as in, "by") the gods.
However, the further celebrated Polynesian tattoos of today carry a slightly less heavy meaning. The most celebrated and appreciated designs are the tiki, the turtle, the gecko, the ray, the shark, the dolphin, as well as many abstract symbolic designs. In order to get these tattoos, it isn't required to go through any rites of passage, or to sit before the special tattoo shaman to be marked. All you demand to have is access to a tattoo artist, a design you enjoy, and the money to pay for it to be done.
Despite that fact, following an ancient tradition, a lot of of the Polynesian tattoo designs which are so celebrated today gained that esteem because of what they traditionally symbolize or symbolize.
