The Polynesian Triangle

Polynesian Tattoo Traditions Map

Tap a region to open its full tradition guide. Each point on the map anchors one of six distinct — but related — Polynesian tattoo lineages that share a common Pacific ancestry.

• Hawaiian

  Hawaiʻi

  Kākau — the pounded line of the northern point.

• Marquesan

  Marquesas

  The most intricate glyph vocabulary in the Pacific.

• Tahitian

  Tahiti

  Tatau — the linguistic source of the word 'tattoo.'

• Samoan

  Sāmoa

  Pe'a and malu — the unbroken living tradition.

• Tongan

  Tonga

  Tatatau — the geometry of the southern kingdom.

• Māori

  Aotearoa

  Tā moko — carved lineage of the southern point.