By Presley Lewis The culture of Polynesia is amazingly rich and fascinating. A major aspect of their culture that has seeped itself into mainstream culture are traditional tattoos. The photos of colossally muscular, handsome men and voluptuous, beautiful women have probably made it your social media feed now and again. These tattoos have also permeated the fashion industry, however it is important to recognize the astounding and fascinating history of this wonderful tradition. Unlike contemporary tattoo, which is often an individualized statement of modernity, The traditional tattoos of Polynesia displayed social status, genealogy, rank, and sexual maturity. It also highlighted its maker’s artistic ability. Writing did not historically exist in Polynesian culture, so tattoos became an integral form of communication. There is a strong hierarchical nature of ancient Polynesian society, resulting in most Polynesians, from the Samoans to the Tongans and the Maori of present-day New Zealand being tattooed. There is even more meaning in the tattoos, ranging from protection from evil to preserving divine essence, but the fact of the matter is this custom is representative of the traditions, values and principles of Polynesian culture.
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April 2024
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