| There are thousands of tattoo designs to choose | | | | - Sharks - The shark itself is seen as sacred. |
| from on websites and in catalogs. Tattoos in | | | | Polynesian shark tattoos are used as a symbol of |
| general are becoming more popular these days | | | | protection from threats. |
| and it is tribal Polynesian designs that are | | | | - Gecko - It is believed that the gecko has |
| becoming increasingly more common. | | | | powers of a supernatural nature and are feared |
| You need to understand that there are two | | | | but also held in awe by the Polynesians. It is also |
| distinct styles when is comes to Polynesian tattoo | | | | believed that if a green gecko laughs then it is an |
| designs. The first of these is called Etua. Etua | | | | awful omen of bad fortune and illness. |
| have a strong spiritual and religious meaning to | | | | - Tiki - The god Tiki is often shown with eyes |
| them. They are also magical symbols offering | | | | closed. This is because Tiki is able to smell trouble |
| protection from the gods . While the other style | | | | before it is seen. |
| Enata can be described as natural designs which | | | | The people of the Polynesian islands are spread |
| describe the person, there identity and status. | | | | far and wide. They include The Cook Islands, |
| This includes their social level, island of origin, | | | | Samoa , Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti, French |
| occupation and history. | | | | Polynesia and even Hawaii. The people across |
| Symbols within Polynesian tattoo designs and their | | | | these islands developed into there own distinct |
| meaning are as follows - | | | | cultures over thousands of years. However what |
| - Shark teeth - Sharks' teeth tattoos are for | | | | is fascinating is the cultural similarities that |
| protection. | | | | developed especially in the practice of tattoo |
| - Turtles - A turtle symbol represents long life and | | | | artistry. However Polynesian tattoo designs of |
| fertility. | | | | today do not mean as much in this day and age |
| - Shells - Shells are a symbol of prosperity to the | | | | as people love them for the design rather than |
| Polynesian people and it is possible that they were | | | | magical protection or a statement of status. |
| used as the earliest form of currency. | | | | |