I'm Polynesian and I love how non-polys enjoy our culture. I'm interested in Mexican culture and I'm really fond of Italian culture as well. I think it's fine if you're showing respect and upholding traditional and values to said culture and you understand the importance of it.
@@jbdeguzman031 Mm I don’t think ur being disrespectful if u grew up being exposed to those cultures and respect and embrace it and know what the meaning are then that seems rational and alright.
Yes! Im Mexican and i want a polynomial tattoo (arm and chest) i think it’s not bad. Because you’re sharing the culture as long as you don’t diss respect it and as long as you know what it means you know?
Coming from a mexican family y’all’s culture is very interesting to me I got 2 cousins who are half Samoan half mexican I always ask their dad about the Samoan culture. 1 thing I love tho is the fact they always call me uso
I’m Tongan, I love seeing people admiring others' cultures. When I see guys on the field with their poly Ta-tatau, I feel a sense of pride. For me, you should have a connection to the Culture. Not only a piece of art but it is our identity. peace ✌️
Hello there! I know im late to the party (or to this vid) but i was wondering; if someone is interested and wants to learn more about polynesian tattoos and pollynesian culture nad all that, any suggestions? Maybe YT channels or specific books or writers? By any chance know any writer or artist in Europe?
I personally love y'all culture because y'all are the most humble people I've ever came across. I also know nobody wants to get on y'all bad side either lol but much respect bro much respect.
I am part Pacific Islander and I have a Polynesian sleeve tattoo. But it took me 2 years to draw it myself and understand the meanings behind each symbol. Each symbol represents something different and should be linked to you. I am currently still working on my full sleeve, chest, and back Polynesian piece. Not sure I will ever be done adding to it. It tells a story of my life and what I have been through.
I spent a good portion of my youth in Hawaii (pray for Lahaina) it was my home, I had friends I’d meet up with every year. I’ve wanted to have a Hawaiian tribal tattoo done because I hold that true Hawaiian culture near and dear to me. I always felt weird for wanting that because I’m a white dude but I love Hawaii more than my home state. Maui was my home away from everything and now my favorite place is gone. I feel even more compelled to carry on Lahaina’s story through my own pain on the mainland. Front street being gone, the place we brought friends and family and just had genuine fun for years with awesome people who were so happy and full of life; it’s gone. I won’t get over that. I want it plastered on my face.
I'm tongan and my best friend is Korean, this foo got a whole ass Polynesian tribal sleeve lol, not gonna lie me n my Family couldn't stop cracking up the first time I told em, but at the end of day it's always Love. He always showed interest in the Polynesian Culture and I love it bc it shows a sense of Pride. Even my parents being born and raised in Tonga, Loved his tattoo, maybe it was bc they knew his heart was in the right place and he is close to me and my family, but he got it with respectful intentions. Alls I'm saying is its a 50/50 with the Poly community on other races getting Poly Tribals. And it makes sense, it's the last of our Culture that really truly began with our Culture, and we want to preserve it, but for me at the end of the day, like anything else it's bound to spread just like us as a people. As long as your getting it for the Love of the Poly Culture and its meaning, I don't see why it's a bad thing if your another race outside our community. Especially cuz us as a people really get along with so many different races and have tight bonds with them. Anyway that's my take Peace n Love🤙🏽
I respectfully don't agree...if you're not in it or of it, don't get it...i'm 100% Samoan from Samoa, i don't understand outsiders getting a piece of our culture permanently inked on their bodies simply cuz they "like it" or "love it", that's like me getting an Aztec tribal...our tattoos aren't meant for them- it's meant for us
@@perenisetapu2511 black man here. I will be getting a full sleeve. The art is beautiful and I want a quality piece. This will be strictly for the looks. If you or anyone else is mad about that it's not my concern. They have to carry that weight.
@@Lowtan okay nigga, I’ll be sporting box braids and start wearing kente everywhere nigga black men biting off other cultures cause theirs is just crips and bloods lol
All I have to say is, one white dude has a Polynesian tattoo because he knows the culture, has traveled to the places of origin, and has educated themselves about presentation. The OTHER white dude has a Polynesian tattoo because he saw Hobbs and Shaw on cable and wanted to be trendy.
Well, Samoa is different. We have a culture that can be spread thru the blood lines of our people. Culture is a culture for a reason. If everyone and their dog got a samoan tribal it would become a trend, not culture that is sacred to the native people of Samoa. They tell stories of our bloodlines and ancestors. But hey, that's just my opinion because my dad and his siblings had this discussion at a BBQ 😂😂
I tattoo a lot of “contemporary” island tattoo designs but I will never do traditional tattoo designs like a Pe’a or Malu even on a Samoan lol. They’d have to fly to Samoa to get it.😅
My wife is Samoan and I’m Greek… I plan on going to Samoa and getting a tattoo next year. Her family seemed to love the idea. Is there something different in my situation?😂 would love to know.🙏🏼
As a Polynesian I’m terrified that our Tataus will become some “copy and paste “ walk in to a parlour and pick and choose what you want when that is far from our culture. Those designs come from villages, our ancestors and it belongs to a time before colonization and Christianity that we have very little of . . So, No it’s not ok. Your also speaking to chiefs who come from a different generation when non Polynesians weren’t getting our tattoos done. Now everyone’s getting them and it’s devastating. There are so many non Polynesians who get large poly pieces and regret it because it’s so big and ofcourse they regret it because it has NO significant meaning to them or you. You’ll never see a poly regret because it belongs to us and our ancestors . So I’m defending my culture man. It’s not ok. Also, You’ve never been to Tonga or Samoa where a lot of those designs you use come from !!! it would be a straight up NO especially from Samoan chiefs.
In a sense yeah it is pretty disrespectful to have it and have no knowledge of the culture, but at the same time, the culture is being more well known when shared. when someone asks the tattoo design and you say it's polynesian design, then it opens people up to the design, the culture and history.
I see it from both sides. Spreading our Samoan culture to the world and keeping our measina. But here is the rub. Please learn the stories behind the symbols of my people. Then get a tattoo. And of course, please stay away from our measina. Our pe'a and our malu. We struggle to keep our old ways current. God made us unique.
The meaning behind it only matters to u, only u value it. In reality, it's just a design. It jus a pattern of geometric shapes and make out some kind of an image. I'm sure they were inspired from the visuals of psychedelics, as I've seen similar patterns. So is that experience only for them? If we're going to make things were only the race who invented said thing can use it, where would we be? If I get one, in no way shape or form does that effect u, or ur perception of polynesian tattoos. The saying "to each their own" makes it easy on one's soul.
@@jeromellaguno8204 if you respect a culture leave it alone if it doesn’t belong to you 🤷🏽♀️. Rep your own culture. Open discussions about your own culture .
Sharing a cultural is the biggest things that you will never lose your culture ever and the whole world will knows who you are if you don’t like people are sharing people not knowing who you are and what your culture are . I’m non Polynesian but I love Polynesian culture 🤙🤙🤙
Polynesian Ink is 🔥🔥🔥 I often feel as if it is something earned. Not just put on just "Because". I've always wanted a Sleeve but want it to mean something. I'm full blooded native american (Jicarilla Apache) I love and appreciate the culture of Polynesian.
Sole!! As a Samoan!!, you can get a sleeve!! We would be proud to have another warrior brother from another warrior race to wear it!! It’s only when it comes to the traditional Samoan tatau the pe’a for men and the malu for ladys!!! That it wouldn’t be good for a person without Samoan blood to have!! When we were young watching those cowboy movies we always went for the Native American Indian warriors they were badass !!! No kid ever wanted to be the cowboy!! TRUTH!!🇼🇸✊🏾
Yes it was earned through accomplishments of war. Men would get new stripes when bringing home the head of the Enemy. Original Tattoo cultures all around the world are linked by this. From Celts to Naga Peoples to Polynesians to South American Tribes that tatted themselves, they all did it in a similar way, with similar patterns, and were all Head Hunter based tribes. No one knows this now because of the dilution around this very topic. The elders that gave blessing are how many generations removed? They are likely not even full blooded, they likely have Filipino, Japanese, Portugues or English admixtures. The 'elders' he talked to have more in common with him asking than with their ancestors.
The key component to getting any type of Polynesian tattoo if your not Polynesian is that you ‘investigate, Learn’ and most importantly ‘respect and appreciate’ that culture FIRST before you commit to getting one done. Once you’ve decided? It’s also important that your tattooist is of Polynesian ancestry! When people just go to a regular tattoo artist who is NOT poly and they just put pretty random designs together, your tattoo won’t have MANA! It will just be a dead piece! Polys are spiritual people just like your people..... therefore it’s essential that the person inking your skin is connected to the ink and tribal artistry of their ancestors which s/he can translate thru the design which s/he would’ve created for you that would reflect your origin story/life’s mission and also act as a talisman of protection. These are the things which set Polynesian tattoo’s apart from other tatts. It has DEEP significance and meaning behind it regardless of your ethnicity. As a minority of women in the tattoo industry I’m even more marginalised as a woman who also happens to be of Polynesian decent in this business but fortunately I’ve been highly successful in my career and specialise in traditional Samoan tattoos. If u were to come to me and ask for a Samoan tattoo I would make sure you fit all those requirements I just stated and if there were Samoans In your area I’d get you to meet up with them so u get to know who those people are etc..... only then after you’ve done your homework if u still wanted a tatt? I’d give you one but I’d also incorporate your own tribal designs into it as well. That is what breathes LIFE into a Polynesian tattoo. Its a living work of art! It’s the MANA! (spirit/power/respect) behind it.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I wasn't born in the Hawaiian islands. I was born in Washington my grandma was. 2/3 Chippewa and 1/3 french Canadian. I've been working in Kauai since 2017. The guys at work call me the White Samoan. My Polynesian tattoo was done by a Hawaiian native. I didnt get to choose the design because its a one of a kind piece that he did by freehand. Yes i know what every piece means. I love being hear and working here. Love the culture and am submersed in it every day.
Ever since I was a child, the only tattoos I have been interested in were traditional, polynesian tattoos. I never understood the appeal of westernized tribal, the thick bands and swirling circles. I’ve always wanted the symmetry in the thin lines of the sharks teeth, mountains the waves. But most importantly, I always saw there needs to be a story to them. Tattoos always have meanings to people, but the traditional Polynesian tattoos always blew my mind with how intricately designed they were to fit a persons lifestyle and a story in specific events that happened in their life. I feel the only reason I’ve held back so far is because I haven’t completed a good enough story to earn one of these tattoos yet. I hope to soon!
Just came back from Hawaii , I got got to meet and receive a chest and shoulder piece done traditionally , we did the full on Hawaiian old school ceremony so the outfit + the lava drink + Hawaiian prayer done by hand not machine was an amazing experience in my life a big meaningful one and the artist and his assistant were extremely happy with my reaction and my vibe , and now we keep in touch amazing amazing amazing
I'm from Florida but I've always been drawn to the Polynesian culture and have a few tattoos that are personal to me. I think as long as your respectful and understanding of who they are and their symbols I think your fine
I have no problem with it as long as you understand what the meaning of your tattoo your getting is and which island ur getting from. If your getting a Samoan tattoo then you should understand what tattooing means in Samoan and the history behind tattooing there. Same goes for if your getting a Māori or Fijian or Tongan tattoo etc you should understand the culture of tattooing in that place before getting it. Cause each island has there own history of tattooing. But that’s my point of view and I completely understand if u don’t agree.
Poly live in Japan here. Non poly loving and embracing our culture is great. Some poly tattoo can be embrace by non poly. Just like many foreigners here in Japan get Japanese tattoo. But there should be a limitation I think. For example, some foreigners live here get traditional yakuza tattoo just because it’s look cool. Also we have a Japanese tattooist who specialize in Polynesian tattoo. Claim that specialize in Māori, Samoa, Hawaiian tattoo. That’s a big no for me. What’s y’all think.
Same. I don’t mind people who get the Samoan sleeve but I would like them not to get the pe’a or malu. They may use the designs somewhere else on the body but not those exact on the exact area of the body.
Samoan Tongan Fiji Hawaiian maori Tahitian tattoo and design you put in your body it’s should have a story and know the meaning of it.. you cant just put a design of any Polynesian tattoo in your body because it’s looks cool..alot fake tattoo artist out there telling bullshit stories and make up stories to people of a Polynesian tattoo design just make a $$ shame..
@@frostbite8696true, no one should have a pe’a or malu unless you’re a Samoan. Contemporary designs should be fine as long as they know what the motifs mean. Btw, what is a Samoan sleeve? Traditional Samoan tattoos are from the waste down to the knees.
My take on it was really summed down to one belief: *Your tattoos (Non-Polynesian people) will NEVER be as meaningful as a Polynesian people’s Polynesian tattoo* . It sounds like a no brainer but essentially the folks that dont even care and grab the first Pinterest tattoo they find (which includes folks outside Polynesian tattoo) will do just that, Ive encountered them and they have no prob admitting it (granted they never had it easy cause culturally insensitive folks tend to learn one way or another nowadays,, please be safe i cant stress this enough) but at the end of the day most of them wear it like a trophy/decoration and dont let other people take on it bother them cause they never bother with meanings. To the folks that do try to find meaning with it, all I can say is dont be the a$$hole that tries to teach other people their own culture or pretend like your some profound saver. A lot of them want the design and then find meaning but just be honest At the end of the day: Polynesian people (here in the states) will look at you (non-Polynesian folks) dirty or talk shit regardless (If you take this as an insult or use this to shit on Poly folks then you either dont have a culture yourself or were never for Polynesian people and lack the capacity to see what I mean by this)
Honestly as a Samoan person (raised in NZ specifically Ōtara if you know I know g T^T) get shocked seeing people of non Polynesian decent having a malu and Pe’a bc it was new and different to me. But getting used to it you come to appreciate other people having them, though it depends on the intention of the person getting it for example “just for fun” many of my family members are against non Polynesians getting them simply bc they have seen too many people getting our tattoos for fun or just bc they look cool, without considering the amount of honour and pride someone wearing it bear’s specifically the belief of always representing our parents and aiga (family) but I just think it’s cool seeing others embrace my culture :)))
I think everyone should be able to share cultures with one another no matter the colour of your skin, I think polys can get traditionally American tattoos and vis versa. Saying that do your research if your getting a poly tribal tattoo, don’t get it because it looks cool get it because of its meaning
I’m non Polynesian and I’ve been wondering about this cause I want to research this culture I want to do my best to learn about this culture and this was a question I had so I’m glad I found a decent answer
I am 24 y/o and I promised myself that when I have enough money, I will travel to haweii and get my first tatto there, no matter how much pain it costs. It’s a dream of mine
Make sure you do your research because alot fake Artist that is not Polynesian can tattoo you all kinda Polynesian design and it’s all different meaning that doesn’t fit you..if know what I mean..😂thats what happened to someone I know who is not Polynesian 😂🤣…
When I stayed in hawaii for two months I met some native Hawaiians that I hung out with quite a bit and I told them how I was getting a tattoo while I was there and they kept trying to get me to get something hawaiian tribal inspired, I would've but I already made the appointment for a traditional style tattoo
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are the places to visit to experience the ancient rituals and customs of polynesia those island you went to are by polynesian standards very young.
😂😂 bro Samoa and Tonga lost there cultures along time ago this cap you believe in Jesus and god Māori culture is the last of our cultures actually still telling our stories, wake up
@@Jay-ph8rk wake up Ko Mātiti te taumata tirotiro o Tāmanuhiri Ko Maraetaha te awa Ko Horouta te waka Ko Ngāi Tāmanuhiri te iwi Ko Te Muriwai te marae We know our whakapapa and we don’t come from Tonga or Samoa 😂😂
Some things are TAPU and Sacred. As long as no one has a Pea on a non poly man and a Malu on a non poly woman. The only time I think it is ok for the malu if the woman is connected to the family by marriage and family elders agreed for her to have it. That is ok, because that person will be blessed with her malu at the end of it. on the other hand with the Pea only Samoa men should have it. Providing the elders are consulted in the family, that it is ok for Samoan/Tongan etc can have the Pea I don't mind that. But they must understand the meanings. Maoris were outraged when Tyson had a Maori marking on his face. I totally agreed with them. Maoris tamoko is sacred to them, just like Samoan Tatau and Malu are sacred to Samoans. The first non Samoan to have a Pea was a Maori, an artist. His last name was Formison or something like that. His Tatau was a respect given and blessed.
Mannng f-ck all that. The first non Samoan to receive a pea was a Tongan. Also european sailors that settled in samoa were getting Peas done so that bullshit lol
I want to get a Polynesian tribal tattoo but I don’t know how to ask for the Tattoo Do i have to do more research and show them what I want ? My dad has one but I don’t talk to him
i absolutely love culture tattoos and have Polynesian tribal on my arms and legs but these are thing the artist put together that didnt mean anything to me only looks cool. So i decided i needed one that was actually meaningful to me so i went to Hawaii and had an interview with Keone Nunes ( traditional hawaiian tap tattoo artist) and he blessed me with agreeing and tattooing me with a one of a kind personal tattoo that actually has meaning..greatest experience i have ever had..so as long as you respect the culture i think it should be fine
All traditional tattoos must have a meaning behind them, we do not just tattoo our bodies because we think oh wow that looks cool, each tattoo has a meaning to it as a afa kasi - half cast Polynesian I am still trying to find a reason to get my leg done :/// but as of right now I have no meaning behind it so I must wait
Aloha! I’m from San Diego. My Gramma and Grampa lived in Honolulu and the Spirit of Aloha was sown into my soul many years ago. I was honored and greatful for being accepted and allowed to express myself through this culture as a half sleeve. Again, 808!! Mahalo forever!
Im hawaiian,and for some reason a lot of non hawaiian folks tell me to not get a tribal tattoo,which was odd because,i am of hawaiian blood. Both my grandparents and their parents and etc,were born and raised in hawaii. My parents although has hawaiian in them,born in different states,and so was i. So they [non hawaiian folk] would tell me not to get tribal designs because its cliche,random,not a good tattoo. But i figured it depended on where you went to get the tattoo and who you got it from.
I’m half Fijian and honestly I don’t care if someone wants to get Fijian tribal tattoos. I would feel so honored that someone would want to get my culture on their body forever. The only thing I say is don’t get it cause it’s cool have a meaning behind it cause that would make the tattoo a lot more worth it for you
That’s because tattoo culture in Melanesia is nothing like tattoo culture in Polynesia. Majority of Melanesians didn’t even have tattoos, pretty sure you Fijians just recently started making designs 🤷🏽♂️
@@horsekfobster7823 learn your facts bro.. Fijians have been doing tattoo until Christianity reach Fiji that's when the High Chiefs decided to stop the practice of tattoo.. please educate yourself first before talking about other people's culture.. and stop bringing up poly vs mela kinda mentality because back in the ancestors days they only see kinship that's why they were able to trade and migrate from one island to another.
@@doughuapluskpop2697 Melanesians never had tattoos, Notice the British never had illustrations of Melanesians with tattoos 🤦🏽♂️ while they had dozens of drawings of Polynesians with tattoos
@@doughuapluskpop2697 Melanesians are too dark, tattoos would just be invisible on your skin. That’s why Africans had scarification not tattoos, y’all probably had scarification
I'm from Peru and wanted this style tattoo with the Inca gods, Inti, Mama Killa, Pachamama, Supay, Viracocha but have been hesitant and outta respect didn't. I feel Polynesian and Inca culture have a connection. Proud of my Inca roots and to see Polynesian culture be so strong is a blessing 🫡 Respect
I’m non poly but grew up with a Polynesian friend, I was close with his him and his fam and before I got my chest piece I asked if it was okay. They all had the same response you got, very happy and accepting that I wanted a piece of their culture on my body💯
I basically got adopted into a tongan family in 2009, im getting arm bands done soon, when i first asked if they would mind not only did they suppoet it, they want to be there when i get it
@@chrisjayy9638 i think its sad when people dont want to share cultures, obviously there are some tatau white people shouldnt get, like in nz a non maori would never get a maori facial tattoo, but for most things i think if its done with love and respect, it shouldnt be an issue
I just got a tattoo today, I’m Puerto Rican and American (black). Us Americans get roses, skulls or anything with triangles and more sometimes I wish I had Polynesian tattoos or Samoan tattoos or Hawaiian tattoos. I really like them 😂❣️
i have a system for getting tats that i’ll keep following until my upper body is filled up: one arm is a color patchwork sleeve of stuff i like and the other arm is blackout that i’m going to go back over with either scarification or silver ink. that being said, for the silver part i’d love to actually go to samoa to get some silver done by a samoan artist trained in the traditional samoan style. i like to say tattoos are a little journal entry of who you were when you got them, but it’s neat to think of them as a much more visible version of a passport stamp too.
If this is the case then trade shouldn't exist among cultures or nations. Tattoos can be a trade too...you trade art which has meaning for publicity and money...why publicity? Cause anyone that looks at that tribal Tattoo and likes it will ask and will research about it, hence finding out more about the culture. It's a win win.
Big no. Our tattoos are not a product that benefits an economy in any way. They are sacred to us and show our history. There are many ways our culture is being known such as our people making it on big screens
@@tevitapangaimoala2975 are you shitting me? Unless the tattoo artist is doing these poly tattoos for free then it’s money. It’s art no matter how you look at it. You may not see it as art but others do. That’s what happens when cultures clash. If you don’t like it, move tf out.
I’ve worked with artists from Polynesia and Borneo as a Caucasian and it’s all about the respect you give the culture and the reverence that you have. Not to “look cool”, but to honor the traditions. I have Polynesian and Bornean tattoos and the mutual respect and intent for the appreciation of the culture is the most importanr thing.
As I a Polynesian with tribal tattoos, I always tell my non islander friends to at least know what your geting cause every sign an symbol all have its own meaning and make sure you respect it
i cannot speak for Polynesian people and their culture but the most traditional Vietnames tatoos are the Dong Don drum tattoo which look pretty similar to Polynesian if you look it up and another one is the woman in Ao Dai dress tattoo. Me; personally, i don't mind other people and cultures getting those tattoos. It makes me happy that others love our culture and appreciate it. I would get Polynesian tattoos even though you're not a Polynesian but again, it's not up to me to speak about other cultures
Ya know, Vietnam has an indigenous group there called the Cham- I believe they're sort of related to the greater diaspora of folks that also includes Polynesians, called the Austronesians. Maybe that's how your tattoos are similar to Polys.
I have alot of respect for you for that and so will all Polynesians. I am mainly Polynesian(half samoan quarter Māori) and truely love seeing others get Polynesian tattoos who arnt but respect the culture. I only disagree with people who deliberately disrespecting Polynesians by getting them and not caring about the meaning and only the looks. Of course everyone can do what they want but for sure in almost every culture there are things that are sacred and have meaning behind it. Have a great day and massive respect for you sir!
I genuinely love the polynesian/tribal tattoo designs. Looking to get a unique design specifically for myself to tell my own story but finding an artist who has the correct knowledge and is comfortable with executing the job is my only problem.
Stick to your own culture, genuinely loving something doesn't qualify you to wear someone else's culture on your body...if you're not in it or of it, don't get it; that's like me, a 100% Samoan from Samoa, getting an Aztec tribal on me...don't perpetuate something that really isn't accepted
@OldFew yes i do, hip hop comes from EVERYWHERE- the Netherlands, Russia, Korea, Samoa, and sneakers being a "cultural" thing? Lol, so you think slippers/sandals should only be for Polynesians? There's a difference between what identifies you and what you wear, some things you can't take off- like tattoos...pretty shallow kid, go learn who you are then come back for round 2
I always find it interesting how memebers of the culture are more happy to spread while ppl whp arent part of it will gatekeep it on behalf of members of that safe culture
I'm not Polynesian but have a poly tattoo as I love and respect the culture and art form.. I'm from Celtic origin and would have zero issues with non Celtic people wearing our art once it's from respect 😊
Im from the Caribbean Puerto Rico and i have one. In my case i have big respect and love for the Polynesian culture ❤ Always big respect to this beautiful culture 🤙🏾 If I offended someone for this, I apologize.
Lots of non islanders get random mixed Polynesian designs from different countries that don’t make sense. & most non islanders say they want “the rock sleeve” but don’t know or usually care about what culture it’s from, what it means etc, they just like that it looks cool. Whereas generally islanders get designs from their own cultures because tada, they’re from that culture. Do what you want, only thing I think as an Islander that it’s cringe if you don’t know or care about the culture & meaning of the tattoo you’re about to stain your skin for life on.
They made a movie in French Polynesia in French. The movie is called Patutiki, I believe. And one of the Marquesan tattoo artists said, "They are making us famous." They love it.
Ink dies with the skin and if you feel a deep desire to connect to the markings then go forward. No greater gift could be offered than to have the descendants of a traveller to want to share this gift and speak of their travels that connects them to this place. You are welcome to write your story for it is yours to treasure. The moko on the face cannot be hidden which is why one should willing to accept that to wear the journey on ones face requires a humility that is not easily obtained in this life.
Hi, my family has roots in Hawai'i. As long as they have a degree of respect for our culture, I love seeing people of other ethnicities appreciate our traditions. (People who get Polynesian tattoos should still understand how important the tattoos are to us and treat them like something special to be earned.)
I used to gatekeep "Tribals" when i was younger, felt it was wrong. I dont think that way anymore, I loved sharing my cultural with my friends when i was in the Marines. I made some designs for friends that wanted tribals.
I respect EVERY culture and I'm very much in favour of keeping traditions alive. I'm German but I have a half sleeve on my right forearm in the style of Maori tattoos but incorporating symbols from cultures all over the world. I love the art (to me Polinesian styles are the most beautiful in the tattoo world), but I want to express my desire to be multi-culti, respecting ALL cultures and traditions. 🙏🏼😎
Do you guys agree that Polynesian tattoos and techniques for making the ink and tapping came from the Philippines? I read about the Samoans who brought the tools and traditions from South East Asia in Lane Wilcken's book Ancient to Modern Filipino tattoos. Just looking for answers everywhere I go for the past decade about it because information is scarce
I know this vid old but I have an question im half Samoan and black and Mexican and part of me wanna get these tattoos for many reasons then one but mostly to feel a little bit more attached with my routes but part of me feels I shouldn’t for being mix so my question is is it ok for mixed Polynesian to get it ?
I'm landlocked european who was born in a wrong place.. I absolutely adore sea, ocean, sailing and finaly I was able to fulfill my dream to obtain my captains license and hopefully I will sail around the world one day and visit all the beautiful places and people.. this stayed with me since I saw The Bounty with Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins and ever since then I had this urge to get out of my "euro-comfort zone" and find my true home.. it's really hard to explain.. I always wanted a polynesian tattoo but I was afraid not to offend, so this video is like a blessing.. Hopefully I will find a person who will help me with one that will tell my story (I'm not interrested in a random "google" tattoo).
So for me im samoa, anyne can get a samoa tattoo the mamanu( the pattern) in the tatau except for the tatau pant itself. Besides other poly neighbors they have their own pattern and idk if its alowed, i can explain more but lmk
I think it depends because it’ll be hella awkward when actual Pacific Islanders from the specific cultures see a foreigners tattoo and it makes no sense. It’s different for each culture and each culture has their own traditions and rituals. So often foreigners don’t realise the designs aren’t just art, it’s a language which is what our ancestors used to pass down knowledge of their lifetime and legacies. It’s what Polynesians used to pass down knowledge of how to navigate the oceans through astronomy. As long as it’s not just a mock and it can actually be interpreted i think that’s how you show appreciation and respect for the culture otherwise it’s the equivalent to getting Chinese symbols then finding out it reads “lettuce”. If you want to appreciate another culture actually prove the appreciation part without self glorification because you think you like it or it looks cool or unique. Actually learn the culture and history behind it and look into how you can align with their interpretations
Also being mindful that the elders are like the pastors to a church, they’re supposed to put a smile on and encourage foreigners to celebrate and embrace our cultures. But they’re also most likely not aware of social media or that a lot of people from our generation especially from the western cultures have no grounding in any understanding of sacredness in their own roots. Which leads them to see other cultures as an aesthetic or raceplay or whatever benefits their narcissism. I don’t think most elders are aware of the severity
Im not Polynesian and because of that I wouldnt tattoo myself in their traditional style Tattoo, my reasons are its not my tradition/heritage plus I have no understanding of the style, its not my story, I so love the style its such a beautiful design to have on your body.
Thanks for clearing this up because I really want one and I was hesitant to get it because of the culture and I didn’t want to disrespect because I’m not apart of the culture
Come on now as a black man people been ripping our culture for the longest, everyday over herein America, I'm going to get me one one day, the work is absolutely beautiful and story telling
Hey I’m trying to get a tattoo just like the rock on his chest but I wanna earn it, I’m young rn but I feel like earning is better, how do I earn it ? What do I need to go through ?
Intertesting. When Hawaiians say Haole sailors tattoo designs they loved it and wanted them. Likewise sailors wanted Polynesian tattoo motifs. Aloha i kekahi i kekahi
I’m Mexican/Filipino my great great grandpa was Filipino who came to Mexico and had a kid with a Mexican women and left back to his country! So I really don’t know much of our family roots I just know that he was from Luzon but I love the Filipino culture and have a beautiful tribal chest shoulder tattoo sleeve to represent where my family came from
Just do your research beforehand. A lot of Filipino Americans claim they have Filipino tribal tattoos but actually have polynesian design and patterns it’s just that they added 3 stars and a sun on it. Filipinos have their own tribal tattoos that go way back in the 1500 AD check out Ibaloi mummy tattoo.
@@jayemveeaydee Ohh yeah i know, my tattoo artist helped my design and he’s Filipino from the motherland so my patterns aren’t poly patterns or designs. In my opinion filipino tribal is beautiful more beautiful than Samoan patterns. But I love Micronesian and Tongan patterns designs they’re beautiful 💪🏽
@@jayemveeaydee Many of the tattoos have similar themes. Birds, centipedes, etc. Tatu in the Philippines means to strike. The culture is similar if not altogether related. What is sky in Tagalog? Langit. what is it samoan lagi? very similar. I do agree with parts of your argument, but to say that there is no relation I cannot.
The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs. i can see that Samoan tattoo on him.
So I could go to Hawaii and get a traditional hand tapped tattoo? If I get that style of tattooI want it done the traditional way because I know how meaningful they to the Polynesian people.
you have to understand what it means to wear that tattoo. It’s that transition from boy to Man. Being Samoan men we all grew up rough and humbling to give blood and soul to God first and everyone of our family members. When it comes to confrontation we never sway away or hesitate it’s just a sense of pride that your representing not only yourself and your family but everyone that’s of Samoan descent. I mean if I see you wearing a tribal I’m just gonna ask you a few questions. 1. Are you Samoan? 2. What village does your family live in? I mean I get it they look cool but you never know you might run into someone that’s not so understanding.
Out of all the pacific tattoos, the Māori are the most badass of all!! I’m not talking about looks or design I’m talking about how they would engrave they patters into the face!! And pour ash into the face!! That’s incredibly insane!! Hats of to those real warriors who were the real deal back then!! Not now !! Most of them are all mixed blood and carry on like they are full blood!! And there’s no more full blooded!!
I want a sleeve tattoo but im doing research before I up and get it and get the heat that comes with it. Rather be educated than being ignorant about it.
I'm Hispanic and am super fond of the polynesian and Hawaiian culture. I really have been reading and studying the 'Mana' concept for like 2 years now, and would love to get a polynesian half sleeve. I appreciate this view and video bros!
What Chiefs did you talk to? Cause I can tell you my Samoan side of the family in Samoa with this agree to what you just said lol. And the true Hawaiian of Hawaii were I’m from would say the same thing as well do not get the tribal if you do not have the bloodline it is disrespectful. Do you remember the chief and the village you went to?
The body can b a canvas. I can c where it would bother some Islanders,but at the same time it's a way to share a culture. I like Norse and Celtic body art.
You got to think about it like this, the cultures have died in influence over the younger generation, who want to keep up with the Western living standards. The elders have seen this in real time, to see their heritage continue is a good thing
My mentality on non Polynesians getting “tribal” tattoos Is simple.. those that aren’t poly shouldn’t receive poly tattoos. Our system of tattoos is sacred. You have to be hands on with tradition & this “luxury” of having “Tribal” isn’t one that you just think of getting randomly. The luxury is given to you in the traditional way. I’m good for learning about our culture but if u think about it … it’s the same way Uli Ulis have that mentality of designer brand clothing using their “culture”, that’s how I feel about the way of our tattoos
In the most general sense: If someone wants to incorporate something into their very skin? Good. A day will come that they'll have to confront the truth. Born in the culture or not, it will always be clear what one truly honours...for those that know. And those that don't know shame? They're not worth the attention of those that don't know better. Fuck em if they want to make fools of themselves, right?
I think it’s ok for anyone to participate in any cultural practice as long as they do so respectfully and even more so if they’re actively participating in the culture… like, even IF YOU ONLY HAVE A FRIEND who’s part of the culture, it’s still ok.
Hi guys, The Samoan culture is a little bit different than all of Polynesian. Our tattoo or tatau have different pattern that we can tell if you’re from royalty line or what tribal or family you from. Many people don’t know that, it is very important to the Samoan culture to know your lineage through your tattoo. Nowadays, anybody can put on a a Samoan design because they like how it looks, but they have no idea what they have on and what bloodline you from, if there is a war to eliminate a certain tribal then whoever have that designed on will eliminated. The Samoan tattoo or tatau are secret to the Samoan people.
Most of us don’t get offended we just lowkey laugh if we ask you something in our language and you have idea wth I’m talking about 😂😂lol but the SAMOAN PE’A is off limits that’s why you’ll never see white black Asian Mexican with a pe’a
I am chamorro and want something like that because I want to feel connected and I care for my culture, though my parents dont know much and my grandparents experience with the language and their history isnt as pleasing and its hard to share i feel so distant and im such a like FAN and obsessed with my culture and I think its beautiful and I want to get one so bad im just so indecisive and not sure about tribal and any of that so
here in nz every tribe will have there own opinion me personally as a maori i would have to say as long as he or she aint getting it on there face algoods anywhere else as long as that person upholds and respect the tattoo coz the designs are ancient designs from way back but other then that i dont have a problem with it
In my opinion, all depends on how you do it. I mean.. I don’t have problem if someday I travel to Samoa and find a flamenco dance school if the owner is interested and is respectful with the spanish culture
I was not expecting that response. I find Polynesian tattoos so beautiful. I’ve felt foolish for influencing my lover to get one being that he’s not Polynesian but now I feel good about it🙂
As a Samoan having my pe’a done and also other pieces done traditionally I find it odd to see someone not of my culture have our designs. Unless they’ve married into the family. Our tattoos have deep meaning often tracing our family lineage and history. It also allows us to identify and connect with others of our or same culture I.e Tongan/maori/fijian. It is often said these tattoos can be taboo and bring misfortune to those not of the culture. Although people can do as they want.
I don't see any problem. If for instance someone wants Celtic tattoos, the Irish people is OK with that. But of course there are always someone who use their own connections to the ethnicity or culture they are born into as an excuse to bash others who are interested in it. Should people not be allowed to eat sushi if they are not from Japan? Feedback and exchange of ideas and impulses is what keeps cultures alive. I just read an article that ended with this insane thing: "Some consider non-Black people getting blackout tattoos to be a form of cultural appropriation because it involves adopting a feature of a marginalized group without acknowledging the history or significance behind it. For centuries, Black people endured racism based on the color of their skin. As a result, some find it offensive when a non-Black person intentionally blackens their skin for their own benefit, whether that’s to appear “trendy” or simply because they like the way it looks. Others disagree with this interpretation, but it’s a point worth considering if you’re contemplating a blackout tattoo and aren’t Black."
I'm Polynesian and I love how non-polys enjoy our culture. I'm interested in Mexican culture and I'm really fond of Italian culture as well. I think it's fine if you're showing respect and upholding traditional and values to said culture and you understand the importance of it.
@@jbdeguzman031 Mm I don’t think ur being disrespectful if u grew up being exposed to those cultures and respect and embrace it and know what the meaning are then that seems rational and alright.
Yes! Im Mexican and i want a polynomial tattoo (arm and chest) i think it’s not bad. Because you’re sharing the culture as long as you don’t diss respect it and as long as you know what it means you know?
@@LilMexicannleaks 💯💯💯 you allgood!
Coming from a mexican family y’all’s culture is very interesting to me I got 2 cousins who are half Samoan half mexican I always ask their dad about the Samoan culture. 1 thing I love tho is the fact they always call me uso
@@idkelijah I wish I had Mexican family! I'm from New Zealand but I wanna travel to Southern California eventually.
I’m Tongan, I love seeing people admiring others' cultures. When I see guys on the field with their poly Ta-tatau, I feel a sense of pride. For me, you should have a connection to the Culture. Not only a piece of art but it is our identity. peace ✌️
Hello there! I know im late to the party (or to this vid) but i was wondering; if someone is interested and wants to learn more about polynesian tattoos and pollynesian culture nad all that, any suggestions? Maybe YT channels or specific books or writers? By any chance know any writer or artist in Europe?
I personally love y'all culture because y'all are the most humble people I've ever came across. I also know nobody wants to get on y'all bad side either lol but much respect bro much respect.
Great open-mindedness
I am part Pacific Islander and I have a Polynesian sleeve tattoo. But it took me 2 years to draw it myself and understand the meanings behind each symbol. Each symbol represents something different and should be linked to you. I am currently still working on my full sleeve, chest, and back Polynesian piece. Not sure I will ever be done adding to it. It tells a story of my life and what I have been through.
Lol
What kind of Pacific islander are you
@@KL-zj1iw🗿
@@KL-zj1iwFilipino 😂
@@JoeHeatSteel95 🤣🤣
I spent a good portion of my youth in Hawaii (pray for Lahaina) it was my home, I had friends I’d meet up with every year. I’ve wanted to have a Hawaiian tribal tattoo done because I hold that true Hawaiian culture near and dear to me. I always felt weird for wanting that because I’m a white dude but I love Hawaii more than my home state. Maui was my home away from everything and now my favorite place is gone. I feel even more compelled to carry on Lahaina’s story through my own pain on the mainland. Front street being gone, the place we brought friends and family and just had genuine fun for years with awesome people who were so happy and full of life; it’s gone. I won’t get over that. I want it plastered on my face.
If I’m white I let any race and nationality have white hairstyles. Stopping certain people from having a tattoo is racist.
I'm tongan and my best friend is Korean, this foo got a whole ass Polynesian tribal sleeve lol, not gonna lie me n my Family couldn't stop cracking up the first time I told em, but at the end of day it's always Love. He always showed interest in the Polynesian Culture and I love it bc it shows a sense of Pride. Even my parents being born and raised in Tonga, Loved his tattoo, maybe it was bc they knew his heart was in the right place and he is close to me and my family, but he got it with respectful intentions. Alls I'm saying is its a 50/50 with the Poly community on other races getting Poly Tribals. And it makes sense, it's the last of our Culture that really truly began with our Culture, and we want to preserve it, but for me at the end of the day, like anything else it's bound to spread just like us as a people. As long as your getting it for the Love of the Poly Culture and its meaning, I don't see why it's a bad thing if your another race outside our community. Especially cuz us as a people really get along with so many different races and have tight bonds with them. Anyway that's my take Peace n Love🤙🏽
As long as we have somewhat control of the industry has far as poly tattooing will be guhd
I respectfully don't agree...if you're not in it or of it, don't get it...i'm 100% Samoan from Samoa, i don't understand outsiders getting a piece of our culture permanently inked on their bodies simply cuz they "like it" or "love it", that's like me getting an Aztec tribal...our tattoos aren't meant for them- it's meant for us
@@perenisetapu2511 keep your small mind and small tenga in Samoa.
@@perenisetapu2511 black man here. I will be getting a full sleeve. The art is beautiful and I want a quality piece. This will be strictly for the looks. If you or anyone else is mad about that it's not my concern. They have to carry that weight.
@@Lowtan okay nigga, I’ll be sporting box braids and start wearing kente everywhere nigga black men biting off other cultures cause theirs is just crips and bloods lol
All I have to say is, one white dude has a Polynesian tattoo because he knows the culture, has traveled to the places of origin, and has educated themselves about presentation.
The OTHER white dude has a Polynesian tattoo because he saw Hobbs and Shaw on cable and wanted to be trendy.
Well, Samoa is different. We have a culture that can be spread thru the blood lines of our people. Culture is a culture for a reason. If everyone and their dog got a samoan tribal it would become a trend, not culture that is sacred to the native people of Samoa. They tell stories of our bloodlines and ancestors. But hey, that's just my opinion because my dad and his siblings had this discussion at a BBQ 😂😂
Exactly
Already started happening every Tom, Dick and Harry has the malu and pe’a now and everyone is a chief in Samoa
I tattoo a lot of “contemporary” island tattoo designs but I will never do traditional tattoo designs like a Pe’a or Malu even on a Samoan lol. They’d have to fly to Samoa to get it.😅
My wife is Samoan and I’m Greek… I plan on going to Samoa and getting a tattoo next year. Her family seemed to love the idea. Is there something different in my situation?😂 would love to know.🙏🏼
As a Polynesian I’m terrified that our Tataus will become some “copy and paste “ walk in to a parlour and pick and choose what you want when that is far from our culture. Those designs come from villages, our ancestors and it belongs to a time before colonization and Christianity that we have very little of . . So, No it’s not ok. Your also speaking to chiefs who come from a different generation when non Polynesians weren’t getting our tattoos done. Now everyone’s getting them and it’s devastating.
There are so many non Polynesians who get large poly pieces and regret it because it’s so big and ofcourse they regret it because it has NO significant meaning to them or you. You’ll never see a poly regret because it belongs to us and our ancestors . So I’m defending my culture man. It’s not ok. Also, You’ve never been to Tonga or Samoa where a lot of those designs you use come from !!! it would be a straight up NO especially from Samoan chiefs.
In a sense yeah it is pretty disrespectful to have it and have no knowledge of the culture, but at the same time, the culture is being more well known when shared. when someone asks the tattoo design and you say it's polynesian design, then it opens people up to the design, the culture and history.
I see it from both sides. Spreading our Samoan culture to the world and keeping our measina. But here is the rub. Please learn the stories behind the symbols of my people. Then get a tattoo. And of course, please stay away from our measina. Our pe'a and our malu. We struggle to keep our old ways current. God made us unique.
The meaning behind it only matters to u, only u value it. In reality, it's just a design. It jus a pattern of geometric shapes and make out some kind of an image. I'm sure they were inspired from the visuals of psychedelics, as I've seen similar patterns. So is that experience only for them? If we're going to make things were only the race who invented said thing can use it, where would we be? If I get one, in no way shape or form does that effect u, or ur perception of polynesian tattoos. The saying "to each their own" makes it easy on one's soul.
@@jeromellaguno8204 if you respect a culture leave it alone if it doesn’t belong to you 🤷🏽♀️. Rep your own culture. Open discussions about your own culture .
Sharing a cultural is the biggest things that you will never lose your culture ever and the whole world will knows who you are if you don’t like people are sharing people not knowing who you are and what your culture are . I’m non Polynesian but I love Polynesian culture 🤙🤙🤙
Polynesian Ink is 🔥🔥🔥 I often feel as if it is something earned. Not just put on just "Because". I've always wanted a Sleeve but want it to mean something. I'm full blooded native american (Jicarilla Apache) I love and appreciate the culture of Polynesian.
Sole!! As a Samoan!!, you can get a sleeve!! We would be proud to have another warrior brother from another warrior race to wear it!! It’s only when it comes to the traditional Samoan tatau the pe’a for men and the malu for ladys!!! That it wouldn’t be good for a person without Samoan blood to have!! When we were young watching those cowboy movies we always went for the Native American Indian warriors they were badass !!! No kid ever wanted to be the cowboy!! TRUTH!!🇼🇸✊🏾
Yes it was earned through accomplishments of war. Men would get new stripes when bringing home the head of the Enemy. Original Tattoo cultures all around the world are linked by this. From Celts to Naga Peoples to Polynesians to South American Tribes that tatted themselves, they all did it in a similar way, with similar patterns, and were all Head Hunter based tribes. No one knows this now because of the dilution around this very topic. The elders that gave blessing are how many generations removed? They are likely not even full blooded, they likely have Filipino, Japanese, Portugues or English admixtures. The 'elders' he talked to have more in common with him asking than with their ancestors.
@@Tolongalofa the sacred Pacific Ocean does not discriminate....us people do
The key component to getting any type of Polynesian tattoo if
your not Polynesian is that you ‘investigate, Learn’ and most importantly ‘respect and appreciate’ that culture FIRST before you commit to getting one done. Once you’ve decided? It’s also important that your tattooist is of Polynesian ancestry! When people just go to a regular tattoo artist who is NOT poly and they just put pretty random designs together, your tattoo won’t have MANA! It will just be a dead piece! Polys are spiritual people just like your people..... therefore it’s essential that the person inking your skin is connected to the ink and tribal artistry of their ancestors which s/he can translate thru the design which s/he would’ve created for you that would reflect your origin story/life’s mission and also act as a talisman of protection. These are the things which set Polynesian tattoo’s apart from other tatts. It has DEEP significance and meaning behind it regardless of your ethnicity. As a minority of women in the tattoo industry I’m even more marginalised as a woman who also happens to be of Polynesian decent in this business but fortunately I’ve been highly successful in my career and specialise in traditional Samoan tattoos. If u were to come to me and ask for a Samoan tattoo I would make sure you fit all those requirements I just stated and if there were Samoans In your area I’d get you to meet up with them so u get to know who those people are etc..... only then after you’ve done your homework if u still wanted a tatt? I’d give you one but I’d also incorporate your own tribal designs into it as well. That is what breathes LIFE into a Polynesian tattoo. Its a living work of art! It’s the MANA! (spirit/power/respect) behind it.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@essji2024Malo to you straight facts sista 🤙🙏💪
I wasn't born in the Hawaiian islands. I was born in Washington my grandma was. 2/3 Chippewa and 1/3 french Canadian. I've been working in Kauai since 2017. The guys at work call me the White Samoan. My Polynesian tattoo was done by a Hawaiian native. I didnt get to choose the design because its a one of a kind piece that he did by freehand. Yes i know what every piece means. I love being hear and working here. Love the culture and am submersed in it every day.
@GrandZeno was it tapping or machine? I've been trying to find someone to tap for me but couldn't quite solidify anything
Ever since I was a child, the only tattoos I have been interested in were traditional, polynesian tattoos. I never understood the appeal of westernized tribal, the thick bands and swirling circles. I’ve always wanted the symmetry in the thin lines of the sharks teeth, mountains the waves. But most importantly, I always saw there needs to be a story to them. Tattoos always have meanings to people, but the traditional Polynesian tattoos always blew my mind with how intricately designed they were to fit a persons lifestyle and a story in specific events that happened in their life. I feel the only reason I’ve held back so far is because I haven’t completed a good enough story to earn one of these tattoos yet. I hope to soon!
Just came back from Hawaii , I got got to meet and receive a chest and shoulder piece done traditionally , we did the full on Hawaiian old school ceremony so the outfit + the lava drink + Hawaiian prayer done by hand not machine was an amazing experience in my life a big meaningful one and the artist and his assistant were extremely happy with my reaction and my vibe , and now we keep in touch amazing amazing amazing
How did you find an artist? Also how long do you recommend staying in Hawaii
I'm from Florida but I've always been drawn to the Polynesian culture and have a few tattoos that are personal to me. I think as long as your respectful and understanding of who they are and their symbols I think your fine
I have no problem with it as long as you understand what the meaning of your tattoo your getting is and which island ur getting from. If your getting a Samoan tattoo then you should understand what tattooing means in Samoan and the history behind tattooing there. Same goes for if your getting a Māori or Fijian or Tongan tattoo etc you should understand the culture of tattooing in that place before getting it. Cause each island has there own history of tattooing. But that’s my point of view and I completely understand if u don’t agree.
A tattoo is a tattoo. No meaning needs to be known to have something you like the look of. I like wearing tracksuits rather than a business suit
@@Who-cu9eu It’s tradition it’s not just a tattoo
@@Who-cu9eu mate it's called traditional tattoo for a reason.
Poly live in Japan here. Non poly loving and embracing our culture is great. Some poly tattoo can be embrace by non poly. Just like many foreigners here in Japan get Japanese tattoo. But there should be a limitation I think. For example, some foreigners live here get traditional yakuza tattoo just because it’s look cool. Also we have a Japanese tattooist who specialize in Polynesian tattoo. Claim that specialize in Māori, Samoa, Hawaiian tattoo. That’s a big no for me. What’s y’all think.
Same. I don’t mind people who get the Samoan sleeve but I would like them not to get the pe’a or malu. They may use the designs somewhere else on the body but not those exact on the exact area of the body.
Samoan Tongan Fiji Hawaiian maori Tahitian tattoo and design you put in your body it’s should have a story and know the meaning of it.. you cant just put a design of any Polynesian tattoo in your body because it’s looks cool..alot fake tattoo artist out there telling bullshit stories and make up stories to people of a Polynesian tattoo design just make a $$ shame..
@@frostbite8696true, no one should have a pe’a or malu unless you’re a Samoan. Contemporary designs should be fine as long as they know what the motifs mean. Btw, what is a Samoan sleeve? Traditional Samoan tattoos are from the waste down to the knees.
My take on it was really summed down to one belief: *Your tattoos (Non-Polynesian people) will NEVER be as meaningful as a Polynesian people’s Polynesian tattoo* .
It sounds like a no brainer but essentially the folks that dont even care and grab the first Pinterest tattoo they find (which includes folks outside Polynesian tattoo) will do just that, Ive encountered them and they have no prob admitting it (granted they never had it easy cause culturally insensitive folks tend to learn one way or another nowadays,, please be safe i cant stress this enough) but at the end of the day most of them wear it like a trophy/decoration and dont let other people take on it bother them cause they never bother with meanings.
To the folks that do try to find meaning with it, all I can say is dont be the a$$hole that tries to teach other people their own culture or pretend like your some profound saver. A lot of them want the design and then find meaning but just be honest
At the end of the day: Polynesian people (here in the states) will look at you (non-Polynesian folks) dirty or talk shit regardless (If you take this as an insult or use this to shit on Poly folks then you either dont have a culture yourself or were never for Polynesian people and lack the capacity to see what I mean by this)
This is true lol very true
Honestly as a Samoan person (raised in NZ specifically Ōtara if you know I know g T^T) get shocked seeing people of non Polynesian decent having a malu and Pe’a bc it was new and different to me. But getting used to it you come to appreciate other people having them, though it depends on the intention of the person getting it for example “just for fun” many of my family members are against non Polynesians getting them simply bc they have seen too many people getting our tattoos for fun or just bc they look cool, without considering the amount of honour and pride someone wearing it bear’s specifically the belief of always representing our parents and aiga (family) but I just think it’s cool seeing others embrace my culture :)))
Sad to know people get it to look cool
There are also tattoos that you can’t get at all if your not Polynesian
Dang, only Samoans should have Pe’a’s and Malu’s. That’s actually messed up.
Im from North Borneo, Malaysia and tattoo was one of our culture..anyone can wear it but not all design, because it got it's own meaning
Honestly no. It's the fact that I see so many non polys with the "I can get whatever I want" attitude as their reasoning of getting our tattoos
The more y’all push the more they’re going to push back. Best thing to do is love that they embraced your culture.
I think everyone should be able to share cultures with one another no matter the colour of your skin, I think polys can get traditionally American tattoos and vis versa. Saying that do your research if your getting a poly tribal tattoo, don’t get it because it looks cool get it because of its meaning
I’m non Polynesian and I’ve been wondering about this cause I want to research this culture I want to do my best to learn about this culture and this was a question I had so I’m glad I found a decent answer
I am 24 y/o and I promised myself that when I have enough money, I will travel to haweii and get my first tatto there, no matter how much pain it costs. It’s a dream of mine
Make sure you do your research because alot fake Artist that is not Polynesian can tattoo you all kinda Polynesian design and it’s all different meaning that doesn’t fit you..if know what I mean..😂thats what happened to someone I know who is not Polynesian 😂🤣…
When I stayed in hawaii for two months I met some native Hawaiians that I hung out with quite a bit and I told them how I was getting a tattoo while I was there and they kept trying to get me to get something hawaiian tribal inspired, I would've but I already made the appointment for a traditional style tattoo
Traditional like from your culture or ours?
@@lingiangeline7324 like American traditional. The ww2 styled ones
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are the places to visit to experience the ancient rituals and customs of polynesia those island you went to are by polynesian standards very young.
😂😂 bro Samoa and Tonga lost there cultures along time ago this cap you believe in Jesus and god Māori culture is the last of our cultures actually still telling our stories, wake up
@@dartagnanngarangione4346 😭😂🤫 where do most of those stories originate from?
Oh btw Ko Tainui, Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi me Hamoa ahau.
@@Jay-ph8rk not from Samoa or Tonga that’s for sure 😂😂😂🤭 that’s a good one though
@@dartagnanngarangione4346 ka aroha my kuz go learn your whakapapa my g 🤣
@@Jay-ph8rk wake up
Ko Mātiti te taumata tirotiro o Tāmanuhiri
Ko Maraetaha te awa
Ko Horouta te waka
Ko Ngāi Tāmanuhiri te iwi
Ko Te Muriwai te marae
We know our whakapapa and we don’t come from Tonga or Samoa 😂😂
Some things are TAPU and Sacred. As long as no one has a Pea on a non poly man and a Malu on a non poly woman. The only time I think it is ok for the malu if the woman is connected to the family by marriage and family elders agreed for her to have it. That is ok, because that person will be blessed with her malu at the end of it. on the other hand with the Pea only Samoa men should have it. Providing the elders are consulted in the family, that it is ok for Samoan/Tongan etc can have the Pea I don't mind that. But they must understand the meanings. Maoris were outraged when Tyson had a Maori marking on his face. I totally agreed with them. Maoris tamoko is sacred to them, just like Samoan Tatau and Malu are sacred to Samoans. The first non Samoan to have a Pea was a Maori, an artist. His last name was Formison or something like that. His Tatau was a respect given and blessed.
Now this comment I agree with.
Mannng f-ck all that. The first non Samoan to receive a pea was a Tongan. Also european sailors that settled in samoa were getting Peas done so that bullshit lol
Malo cuz
I want to get a Polynesian tribal tattoo but I don’t know how to ask for the Tattoo Do i have to do more research and show them what I want ? My dad has one but I don’t talk to him
i absolutely love culture tattoos and have Polynesian tribal on my arms and legs but these are thing the artist put together that didnt mean anything to me only looks cool. So i decided i needed one that was actually meaningful to me so i went to Hawaii and had an interview with Keone Nunes ( traditional hawaiian tap tattoo artist) and he blessed me with agreeing and tattooing me with a one of a kind personal tattoo that actually has meaning..greatest experience i have ever had..so as long as you respect the culture i think it should be fine
All traditional tattoos must have a meaning behind them, we do not just tattoo our bodies because we think oh wow that looks cool, each tattoo has a meaning to it as a afa kasi - half cast Polynesian I am still trying to find a reason to get my leg done :/// but as of right now I have no meaning behind it so I must wait
Aloha! I’m from San Diego. My Gramma and Grampa lived in Honolulu and the Spirit of Aloha was sown into my soul many years ago. I was honored and greatful for being accepted and allowed to express myself through this culture as a half sleeve.
Again, 808!! Mahalo forever!
Let me guess, you're Filipino
@ No. I’m actually Choctaw Native American.
I give tribute and blessings to my own heritage as well as the Polynesian culture.
Aloha ʻĀina.
Im hawaiian,and for some reason a lot of non hawaiian folks tell me to not get a tribal tattoo,which was odd because,i am of hawaiian blood. Both my grandparents and their parents and etc,were born and raised in hawaii. My parents although has hawaiian in them,born in different states,and so was i. So they [non hawaiian folk] would tell me not to get tribal designs because its cliche,random,not a good tattoo. But i figured it depended on where you went to get the tattoo and who you got it from.
I’m half Fijian and honestly I don’t care if someone wants to get Fijian tribal tattoos. I would feel so honored that someone would want to get my culture on their body forever. The only thing I say is don’t get it cause it’s cool have a meaning behind it cause that would make the tattoo a lot more worth it for you
That’s because tattoo culture in Melanesia is nothing like tattoo culture in Polynesia. Majority of Melanesians didn’t even have tattoos, pretty sure you Fijians just recently started making designs 🤷🏽♂️
@@horsekfobster7823 learn your facts bro.. Fijians have been doing tattoo until Christianity reach Fiji that's when the High Chiefs decided to stop the practice of tattoo.. please educate yourself first before talking about other people's culture.. and stop bringing up poly vs mela kinda mentality because back in the ancestors days they only see kinship that's why they were able to trade and migrate from one island to another.
@@doughuapluskpop2697 Melanesians never had tattoos, Notice the British never had illustrations of Melanesians with tattoos 🤦🏽♂️ while they had dozens of drawings of Polynesians with tattoos
@@doughuapluskpop2697 Melanesians are too dark, tattoos would just be invisible on your skin. That’s why Africans had scarification not tattoos, y’all probably had scarification
I'm from Peru and wanted this style tattoo with the Inca gods, Inti, Mama Killa, Pachamama, Supay, Viracocha but have been hesitant and outta respect didn't. I feel Polynesian and Inca culture have a connection. Proud of my Inca roots and to see Polynesian culture be so strong is a blessing 🫡 Respect
I’m only a little polynesian I am mostly white, but I cannot wait to get my tatu because I am incredibly proud of my polynesian heritage
👌🏻🌺💪🏼
Yikes. You one of those.
Part of my family is from the Samoa and Hawaii. I’m glad to learn more and more about Polynesian tattoos the food the culture I’m still learning
I’m non poly but grew up with a Polynesian friend, I was close with his him and his fam and before I got my chest piece I asked if it was okay. They all had the same response you got, very happy and accepting that I wanted a piece of their culture on my body💯
I basically got adopted into a tongan family in 2009, im getting arm bands done soon, when i first asked if they would mind not only did they suppoet it, they want to be there when i get it
@@classmst89 that’s awesome, gotta love the culture👏🏾
@@chrisjayy9638 i think its sad when people dont want to share cultures, obviously there are some tatau white people shouldnt get, like in nz a non maori would never get a maori facial tattoo, but for most things i think if its done with love and respect, it shouldnt be an issue
@@classmst89 exactly, you couldn’t have said it any better bro💯💯
I just got a tattoo today, I’m Puerto Rican and American (black). Us Americans get roses, skulls or anything with triangles and more sometimes I wish I had Polynesian tattoos or Samoan tattoos or Hawaiian tattoos. I really like them 😂❣️
i have a system for getting tats that i’ll keep following until my upper body is filled up: one arm is a color patchwork sleeve of stuff i like and the other arm is blackout that i’m going to go back over with either scarification or silver ink. that being said, for the silver part i’d love to actually go to samoa to get some silver done by a samoan artist trained in the traditional samoan style. i like to say tattoos are a little journal entry of who you were when you got them, but it’s neat to think of them as a much more visible version of a passport stamp too.
If this is the case then trade shouldn't exist among cultures or nations. Tattoos can be a trade too...you trade art which has meaning for publicity and money...why publicity? Cause anyone that looks at that tribal Tattoo and likes it will ask and will research about it, hence finding out more about the culture. It's a win win.
Big no. Our tattoos are not a product that benefits an economy in any way. They are sacred to us and show our history. There are many ways our culture is being known such as our people making it on big screens
@@tevitapangaimoala2975 are you shitting me? Unless the tattoo artist is doing these poly tattoos for free then it’s money. It’s art no matter how you look at it. You may not see it as art but others do. That’s what happens when cultures clash. If you don’t like it, move tf out.
I'm curious if this is true which Maori elder did you speak to because foreigners don't get tamoko
I’ve worked with artists from Polynesia and Borneo as a Caucasian and it’s all about the respect you give the culture and the reverence that you have. Not to “look cool”, but to honor the traditions. I have Polynesian and Bornean tattoos and the mutual respect and intent for the appreciation of the culture is the most importanr thing.
The people of the South Pacific are so friendly and welcoming I loved visiting them and intend to go back
Thanks, man, being mixed of many races. I kinda just appreciate what speaks to my heart.
As I a Polynesian with tribal tattoos, I always tell my non islander friends to at least know what your geting cause every sign an symbol all have its own meaning and make sure you respect it
i cannot speak for Polynesian people and their culture but the most traditional Vietnames tatoos are the Dong Don drum tattoo which look pretty similar to Polynesian if you look it up and another one is the woman in Ao Dai dress tattoo. Me; personally, i don't mind other people and cultures getting those tattoos. It makes me happy that others love our culture and appreciate it. I would get Polynesian tattoos even though you're not a Polynesian but again, it's not up to me to speak about other cultures
Ya know, Vietnam has an indigenous group there called the Cham- I believe they're sort of related to the greater diaspora of folks that also includes Polynesians, called the Austronesians. Maybe that's how your tattoos are similar to Polys.
I want to get a Polynesian tattoo, I'm not Polynesian but I respect the culture well enough to research and understand the meaning of the tattoos
I have alot of respect for you for that and so will all Polynesians. I am mainly Polynesian(half samoan quarter Māori) and truely love seeing others get Polynesian tattoos who arnt but respect the culture. I only disagree with people who deliberately disrespecting Polynesians by getting them and not caring about the meaning and only the looks. Of course everyone can do what they want but for sure in almost every culture there are things that are sacred and have meaning behind it. Have a great day and massive respect for you sir!
Yes, just say 'I respect the culture" and you get a free pass. Its like people can't just stick to their own culture, they gotta steal other peoples
A lot of what u see online is bullshit so be careful
I genuinely love the polynesian/tribal tattoo designs. Looking to get a unique design specifically for myself to tell my own story but finding an artist who has the correct knowledge and is comfortable with executing the job is my only problem.
Stick to your own culture, genuinely loving something doesn't qualify you to wear someone else's culture on your body...if you're not in it or of it, don't get it; that's like me, a 100% Samoan from Samoa, getting an Aztec tribal on me...don't perpetuate something that really isn't accepted
Mad disrespectful dawg,don’t be getting a tribal tattoo if u ain’t frm the islands
@OldFew yes i do, hip hop comes from EVERYWHERE- the Netherlands, Russia, Korea, Samoa, and sneakers being a "cultural" thing? Lol, so you think slippers/sandals should only be for Polynesians? There's a difference between what identifies you and what you wear, some things you can't take off- like tattoos...pretty shallow kid, go learn who you are then come back for round 2
@@perenisetapu2511 wth does he think poly’s should were ? ie’s n jandals gtfo💀✋🏽
Yo Lux….I’m Samoan and I think you’re allowed to get a Poly Tribal if you want….don’t listen to these prideful ass Poly’s
Certain tattoos no, seen a dude in Oklahoma with the headhunter tattoo. What do you think there?
I always find it interesting how memebers of the culture are more happy to spread while ppl whp arent part of it will gatekeep it on behalf of members of that safe culture
I'm not Polynesian but have a poly tattoo as I love and respect the culture and art form.. I'm from Celtic origin and would have zero issues with non Celtic people wearing our art once it's from respect 😊
We are always happy to welcome the world to Tautau
Tatau
Im from the Caribbean Puerto Rico and i have one. In my case i have big respect and love for the Polynesian culture ❤ Always big respect to this beautiful culture 🤙🏾 If I offended someone for this, I apologize.
Lots of non islanders get random mixed Polynesian designs from different countries that don’t make sense.
& most non islanders say they want “the rock sleeve” but don’t know or usually care about what culture it’s from, what it means etc, they just like that it looks cool.
Whereas generally islanders get designs from their own cultures because tada, they’re from that culture.
Do what you want, only thing I think as an Islander that it’s cringe if you don’t know or care about the culture & meaning of the tattoo you’re about to stain your skin for life on.
They made a movie in French Polynesia in French. The movie is called Patutiki, I believe. And one of the Marquesan tattoo artists said, "They are making us famous." They love it.
Ink dies with the skin and if you feel a deep desire to connect to the markings then go forward. No greater gift could be offered than to have the descendants of a traveller to want to share this gift and speak of their travels that connects them to this place. You are welcome to write your story for it is yours to treasure. The moko on the face cannot be hidden which is why one should willing to accept that to wear the journey on ones face requires a humility that is not easily obtained in this life.
Hi, my family has roots in Hawai'i. As long as they have a degree of respect for our culture, I love seeing people of other ethnicities appreciate our traditions. (People who get Polynesian tattoos should still understand how important the tattoos are to us and treat them like something special to be earned.)
I agree, Thanks for watching and contributing! Mahalo!
Even Hawaii’s steal from Samoa 😂😂😂🤝
I used to gatekeep "Tribals" when i was younger, felt it was wrong. I dont think that way anymore, I loved sharing my cultural with my friends when i was in the Marines. I made some designs for friends that wanted tribals.
The fact that you call it tribals is hilarious, you’re white washed af you got no sayso
I’m PR , tainos tribe . Im tryna get one but I’m not Hawaiian tho .
I respect EVERY culture and I'm very much in favour of keeping traditions alive. I'm German but I have a half sleeve on my right forearm in the style of Maori tattoos but incorporating symbols from cultures all over the world. I love the art (to me Polinesian styles are the most beautiful in the tattoo world), but I want to express my desire to be multi-culti, respecting ALL cultures and traditions. 🙏🏼😎
Do you guys agree that Polynesian tattoos and techniques for making the ink and tapping came from the Philippines? I read about the Samoans who brought the tools and traditions from South East Asia in Lane Wilcken's book Ancient to Modern Filipino tattoos. Just looking for answers everywhere I go for the past decade about it because information is scarce
I know this vid old but I have an question im half Samoan and black and Mexican and part of me wanna get these tattoos for many reasons then one but mostly to feel a little bit more attached with my routes but part of me feels I shouldn’t for being mix so my question is is it ok for mixed Polynesian to get it ?
I'm only 1/4 Polynesian 3/4 white but when I got tattooed all my cousins were proud to see me claiming my heritage even though I look white
I'm landlocked european who was born in a wrong place.. I absolutely adore sea, ocean, sailing and finaly I was able to fulfill my dream to obtain my captains license and hopefully I will sail around the world one day and visit all the beautiful places and people.. this stayed with me since I saw The Bounty with Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins and ever since then I had this urge to get out of my "euro-comfort zone" and find my true home.. it's really hard to explain.. I always wanted a polynesian tattoo but I was afraid not to offend, so this video is like a blessing.. Hopefully I will find a person who will help me with one that will tell my story (I'm not interrested in a random "google" tattoo).
So for me im samoa, anyne can get a samoa tattoo the mamanu( the pattern) in the tatau except for the tatau pant itself. Besides other poly neighbors they have their own pattern and idk if its alowed, i can explain more but lmk
I think it depends because it’ll be hella awkward when actual Pacific Islanders from the specific cultures see a foreigners tattoo and it makes no sense. It’s different for each culture and each culture has their own traditions and rituals. So often foreigners don’t realise the designs aren’t just art, it’s a language which is what our ancestors used to pass down knowledge of their lifetime and legacies. It’s what Polynesians used to pass down knowledge of how to navigate the oceans through astronomy. As long as it’s not just a mock and it can actually be interpreted i think that’s how you show appreciation and respect for the culture otherwise it’s the equivalent to getting Chinese symbols then finding out it reads “lettuce”. If you want to appreciate another culture actually prove the appreciation part without self glorification because you think you like it or it looks cool or unique. Actually learn the culture and history behind it and look into how you can align with their interpretations
Also being mindful that the elders are like the pastors to a church, they’re supposed to put a smile on and encourage foreigners to celebrate and embrace our cultures. But they’re also most likely not aware of social media or that a lot of people from our generation especially from the western cultures have no grounding in any understanding of sacredness in their own roots. Which leads them to see other cultures as an aesthetic or raceplay or whatever benefits their narcissism. I don’t think most elders are aware of the severity
Not got any tattoos , thinking about it and this style is something I would like if I ever did.
I respect all cultures
Im not Polynesian and because of that I wouldnt tattoo myself in their traditional style Tattoo, my reasons are its not my tradition/heritage plus I have no understanding of the style, its not my story, I so love the style its such a beautiful design to have on your body.
Thanks for clearing this up because I really want one and I was hesitant to get it because of the culture and I didn’t want to disrespect because I’m not apart of the culture
You have to get it from Village Chief Blood has Right of Passage
I love the Polynesian culture, it's all love over here.
Come on now as a black man people been ripping our culture for the longest, everyday over herein America, I'm going to get me one one day, the work is absolutely beautiful and story telling
RIP to the culture, nothing is sacred anymore to the Polynesian people SMH
Hundred
Hey I’m trying to get a tattoo just like the rock on his chest but I wanna earn it, I’m young rn but I feel like earning is better, how do I earn it ? What do I need to go through ?
Intertesting. When Hawaiians say Haole sailors tattoo designs they loved it and wanted them. Likewise sailors wanted Polynesian tattoo motifs. Aloha i kekahi i kekahi
I feel like it's ok for non polys to get our tattoos so long as they understand every cultural meaning behind them and stay away from the tapu tatau
I’m Mexican/Filipino my great great grandpa was Filipino who came to Mexico and had a kid with a Mexican women and left back to his country! So I really don’t know much of our family roots I just know that he was from Luzon but I love the Filipino culture and have a beautiful tribal chest shoulder tattoo sleeve to represent where my family came from
Just do your research beforehand. A lot of Filipino Americans claim they have Filipino tribal tattoos but actually have polynesian design and patterns it’s just that they added 3 stars and a sun on it. Filipinos have their own tribal tattoos that go way back in the 1500 AD check out Ibaloi mummy tattoo.
@@jayemveeaydee Ohh yeah i know, my tattoo artist helped my design and he’s Filipino from the motherland so my patterns aren’t poly patterns or designs. In my opinion filipino tribal is beautiful more beautiful than Samoan patterns. But I love Micronesian and Tongan patterns designs they’re beautiful 💪🏽
I wonder if we Pinoys can get a tattoo of the Bakunawa?
@@jayemveeaydee well I just don’t like Hawaiians getting Samoan sleeves, they are Polynesian but stick to your tradional Hawaiian tattoos
@@jayemveeaydee Many of the tattoos have similar themes. Birds, centipedes, etc. Tatu in the Philippines means to strike. The culture is similar if not altogether related. What is sky in Tagalog? Langit. what is it samoan lagi? very similar. I do agree with parts of your argument, but to say that there is no relation I cannot.
The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs. i can see that Samoan tattoo on him.
So I could go to Hawaii and get a traditional hand tapped tattoo? If I get that style of tattooI want it done the traditional way because I know how meaningful they to the Polynesian people.
what if you are like 40-50% but dont look it, i dont want it to look weird
Im 0% tongan, adopted into the family, im getting both arms done.
People talk smack online, in lerson nothing will happen
you have to understand what it means to wear that tattoo. It’s that transition from boy to Man. Being Samoan men we all grew up rough and humbling to give blood and soul to God first and everyone of our family members. When it comes to confrontation we never sway away or hesitate it’s just a sense of pride that your representing not only yourself and your family but everyone that’s of Samoan descent. I mean if I see you wearing a tribal I’m just gonna ask you a few questions. 1. Are you Samoan? 2. What village does your family live in? I mean I get it they look cool but you never know you might run into someone that’s not so understanding.
Out of all the pacific tattoos, the Māori are the most badass of all!! I’m not talking about looks or design I’m talking about how they would engrave they patters into the face!! And pour ash into the face!! That’s incredibly insane!! Hats of to those real warriors who were the real deal back then!! Not now !! Most of them are all mixed blood and carry on like they are full blood!! And there’s no more full blooded!!
I want a sleeve tattoo but im doing research before I up and get it and get the heat that comes with it. Rather be educated than being ignorant about it.
I'm Hispanic and am super fond of the polynesian and Hawaiian culture. I really have been reading and studying the 'Mana' concept for like 2 years now, and would love to get a polynesian half sleeve. I appreciate this view and video bros!
thank you so much! this actually helped me a lot!!
What Chiefs did you talk to? Cause I can tell you my Samoan side of the family in Samoa with this agree to what you just said lol. And the true Hawaiian of Hawaii were I’m from would say the same thing as well do not get the tribal if you do not have the bloodline it is disrespectful. Do you remember the chief and the village you went to?
@Tarona Taafaki FACTS!
The body can b a canvas. I can c where it would bother some Islanders,but at the same time it's a way to share a culture. I like Norse and Celtic body art.
You got to think about it like this, the cultures have died in influence over the younger generation, who want to keep up with the Western living standards.
The elders have seen this in real time, to see their heritage continue is a good thing
My mentality on non Polynesians getting “tribal” tattoos Is simple.. those that aren’t poly shouldn’t receive poly tattoos. Our system of tattoos is sacred. You have to be hands on with tradition & this “luxury” of having “Tribal” isn’t one that you just think of getting randomly. The luxury is given to you in the traditional way. I’m good for learning about our culture but if u think about it … it’s the same way Uli Ulis have that mentality of designer brand clothing using their “culture”, that’s how I feel about the way of our tattoos
Sacred? They are tattoos. What do you and non-polynesians have in common? None of you created or invented the cultures you were born into.
In the most general sense: If someone wants to incorporate something into their very skin? Good.
A day will come that they'll have to confront the truth. Born in the culture or not, it will always be clear what one truly honours...for those that know.
And those that don't know shame? They're not worth the attention of those that don't know better.
Fuck em if they want to make fools of themselves, right?
If youre not of that culture, i dont tattoo it. Cut and dry. Its a respect thing.
I think it’s ok for anyone to participate in any cultural practice as long as they do so respectfully and even more so if they’re actively participating in the culture… like, even IF YOU ONLY HAVE A FRIEND who’s part of the culture, it’s still ok.
Funny how you never see this said about any other art , i've got friends with Japanese art , Arabic etc and i've never seen it mentioned 🤷♂
Hi guys, The Samoan culture is a little bit different than all of Polynesian. Our tattoo or tatau have different pattern that we can tell if you’re from royalty line or what tribal or family you from. Many people don’t know that, it is very important to the Samoan culture to know your lineage through your tattoo.
Nowadays, anybody can put on a a Samoan design because they like how it looks, but they have no idea what they have on and what bloodline you from, if there is a war to eliminate a certain tribal then whoever have that designed on will eliminated. The Samoan tattoo or tatau are secret to the Samoan people.
I'm scot Irish and shawnee Indian with polynesian tribal tattoos :)
Why?
Those tattoos started in the Philippines and spread to Polynesia
Tattoos started in Indonesia. Nothing starts in the Philippines 😂
Most of us don’t get offended we just lowkey laugh if we ask you something in our language and you have idea wth I’m talking about 😂😂lol but the SAMOAN PE’A is off limits that’s why you’ll never see white black Asian Mexican with a pe’a
I am chamorro and want something like that because I want to feel connected and I care for my culture, though my parents dont know much and my grandparents experience with the language and their history isnt as pleasing and its hard to share i feel so distant and im such a like FAN and obsessed with my culture and I think its beautiful and I want to get one so bad im just so indecisive and not sure about tribal and any of that so
I love Poly culture and my Poly brother's family loved me from day 1, Haole and all.
here in nz every tribe will have there own opinion me personally as a maori i would have to say as long as he or she aint getting it on there face algoods anywhere else as long as that person upholds and respect the tattoo coz the designs are ancient designs from way back but other then that i dont have a problem with it
In my opinion, all depends on how you do it. I mean.. I don’t have problem if someday I travel to Samoa and find a flamenco dance school if the owner is interested and is respectful with the spanish culture
Where abouts is that 😂😂😂😂
@@savthedon0153 que dices tuu mentecato
I was not expecting that response. I find Polynesian tattoos so beautiful. I’ve felt foolish for influencing my lover to get one being that he’s not Polynesian but now I feel good about it🙂
As a Samoan having my pe’a done and also other pieces done traditionally I find it odd to see someone not of my culture have our designs. Unless they’ve married into the family.
Our tattoos have deep meaning often tracing our family lineage and history. It also allows us to identify and connect with others of our or same culture I.e Tongan/maori/fijian.
It is often said these tattoos can be taboo and bring misfortune to those not of the culture. Although people can do as they want.
I don't see any problem. If for instance someone wants Celtic tattoos, the Irish people is OK with that. But of course there are always someone who use their own connections to the ethnicity or culture they are born into as an excuse to bash others who are interested in it. Should people not be allowed to eat sushi if they are not from Japan? Feedback and exchange of ideas and impulses is what keeps cultures alive.
I just read an article that ended with this insane thing:
"Some consider non-Black people getting blackout tattoos to be a form of cultural appropriation because it involves adopting a feature of a marginalized group without acknowledging the history or significance behind it.
For centuries, Black people endured racism based on the color of their skin. As a result, some find it offensive when a non-Black person intentionally blackens their skin for their own benefit, whether that’s to appear “trendy” or simply because they like the way it looks.
Others disagree with this interpretation, but it’s a point worth considering if you’re contemplating a blackout tattoo and aren’t Black."