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Polynesian tattoo ring

Polynesian tattoo, Pacific tradition ring in silver

Polynesian tattooing is an art practiced for many centuries across the islands of the Pacific. In many cultures of this region of the world, it represents far more than a simple ornament of the body. It is a visual language, a memory, and a mark of identity.

In Tahitian, tatau means “to strike.” The word refers to the traditional way of tattooing the skin using tools that are gently tapped to insert the ink under the skin. Some interpretations also explain the word as deriving from the expression “TA-ATUA,” combining the root “TA,” literally “a drawing inscribed in the skin,” and the word “ATUA,” which means “god” or “spirit.”

Tattooing often expresses what lies deepest within a person. It tells the story and identity of the one who wears it. Each symbol tells a story, a value, a connection with nature, with ancestors, and with the life journey of the person who bears it. When assembled together, these motifs form a personal, unique, and meaningful narrative.

Here is a brief overview of the main cultures of Polynesia known for their tattoo traditions.

The Māori:
The Māori of New Zealand have one of the most famous traditions with the moko. Moko is a highly codified facial and body tattoo. The patterns often follow the lines of the face and tell the story of the person, their genealogy, their social rank, and their achievements. Among men, the face could be extensively tattooed. Among women, moko was often located on the chin and lips.

The Samoans:
The people of Samoa have preserved one of the most continuous tattoo traditions in Polynesia. The traditional male tattoo is called the pe'a. It covers the body from the waist to the knees with dense geometric patterns. The female tattoo is called the malu, which is lighter and more delicate. The process is long and ceremonial and marks the passage into adulthood.

The Tahitians:
The peoples of Tahiti and French Polynesia widely practiced tattooing before the arrival of Europeans. The motifs often represented elements of nature such as waves, the sun, marine animals, or protective symbols. Tattooing indicated social status, rites of passage, or belonging to a lineage.

The Marquesans:
The inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands probably had one of the most developed tattoo traditions in Polynesia. Bodies could be almost entirely covered with very complex tattoos. The motifs are highly geometric and symmetrical. They often represent deities, animals, weapons, or symbols of spiritual protection.

The Tongans:
In Tonga, tattooing was also an important practice, especially among chiefs and warriors. The motifs were often similar to those of Samoa, as these cultures are closely connected. Tattooing marked social identity and courage.

The Hawaiians:
The peoples of Hawaii also practiced tattooing known as kākau. The motifs could represent spiritual protection, ancestors, totem animals, or natural elements. As elsewhere in Polynesia, tattooing marked identity and social status.

The Polynesian Tattoo ring is a tribute and an ode to this ancestral art from Oceania. It features a typical pattern made of rounded shapes and circles, inspired by the forms found in traditional Pacific tattoos. These lines evoke the movement of the ocean, the cycles of life, and the links between humans, nature, and ancestors.

 

Metal: 925 silver.

Width: 0.24 in (6 mm).

Production time: 5 business days before your order is shipped.

 

Thickness of the ring: this model can be made with thicknesses of 1 mm, 1.3 mm or 1.6 mm. For reference, go to the last photo of the slideshow.

The ring thickness on the model is 1.3 mm.

Important: depending on your finger size, the solder at the back of your ring will show an interruption in the pattern with a plain vertical and in order to keep an overall harmony. Each rind is custom made and each finish will also be custom made (please refer to the example picture at the end of the photo series).

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags: tattoo, Polynesian, Māori, Oceania, Polynesia, tribal, ethnic, Polynesian wedding, Pacific, tribal wedding, ethnic wedding, Māori wedding, ocean, oceanic, identity, journey, heritage, Samoan, Samoa, Tahiti, Tahitian, Marquesan, Tonga, Tongan, Hawaiian, Hawaii

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