Reference · Glossary

Glossary of Polynesian tattoo terms.

Terms are attributed to region and language. Definitions are structured for education, not for scriptable one-word meanings.

Search glossary

'Au tā Sāmoa: The tapping sound and action of the tatau instrument as it is struck during tattooing; the rhythmic percussive process by which the tufuga tā tatau drives pigment into the skin.
Related: Tatau, Tufuga tā tatau, Pe‘a, Malu
'Ali Sāmoa: Wooden headrest traditionally used by chiefs.
Related: Fa'avae'ali, Matai
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
'Ohana Hawaiʻi: Family.
Related: Kupuna
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
'Āina Hawaiʻi: Land.
Related: Kai
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
'Ike Hawaiʻi: Knowledge.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997

Au Sāmoa: Traditional tattooing comb of sharpened boar's teeth, pig tusk, or turtle shell mounted on a wooden handle with coconut-fiber lashing.
Related: Tatau, Tufuga tā tatau, Ato 'au
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Ato 'au Sāmoa: The bag of tatau instruments.
Related: Au, Tufuga tā tatau
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Ani ata Marquesas: "Cloudy sky"; over-stylized enata in a row representing sky or ancestors.
Related: Enata
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Awheto Aotearoa: Pigment used for body moko.
Related: Ngarehu, Wai ngārahu
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Alaniho Hawaiʻi: Long stripe tattoo.
Related: Mōlī, Mōlina
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Aloha Hawaiʻi: Love, affection, compassion, greeting.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Ari'i Tahiti Research draft — source-cited: Chiefs; a social class for whom certain tattoo designs were reserved.
Related: Hui ari'i
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak
Ao Tahiti: The world of the living and light.
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak
Ariki mau Rapa Nui: Ruling king; his consent was sought before tattooing.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak

Basketwork (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs. Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.
Boats (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs. Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.

Comet with curved tail Cook Islands Restricted or uncertain — source-cited: Represents the star Maurua, used as a navigational reference point.
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel

Enata Marquesas: A human-figure motif in Marquesan composition representing men, women, or gods; interpretation is context-dependent, and inverted enata may represent defeated enemies.
Sources:Handy 1922

Fa'avae'ali Sāmoa Publicly documented: V-shaped motif representing the legs of a chief's wooden headrest ('ali); reminds the wearer to provide for the chief's comfort.
Related: 'Ali, Matai
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Fa'aulutao Sāmoa Publicly documented: Motif resembling two spears at the top of the malofie, symbolizing bravery in defending chief and family.
Related: Pe‘a
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Fusi Sāmoa Publicly documented: A "belt": a thick line above the knee that encourages fealofani (friendship/fellowship) and peacemaking.
Related: Fealofani, Pe‘a
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Fealofani Sāmoa: Friendship or fellowship.
Related: Fusi
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Faalupega Sāmoa: Family and village hierarchies recited to greet esteemed guests.
Related: Le fa'asamoa, Matai
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Fonua Tonga: Land, country, territory, place, people of the land, grave, afterbirth or placenta; signifies deep belonging.
Related: Tala fakafonua, Kāinga
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga Tonga Restricted or uncertain — highly sacred, related to royalty and funerary rites: Translates to the catafalque of the King of Tonga; the structure held up by pallbearers during a royal funeral.
Related: Langi
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Fish figures (Rapa Nui) Rapa Nui Research draft — source-cited: Fish are mentioned as common symbols in Rapa Nui art and tattoos; a general category. Avoid drawing designs without further community guidance.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak

Geometric figures (Cook Islands) Cook Islands Research draft — source-cited: Drawn from Polynesian mythology: the sun, the ocean, and sea creatures.
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel

Honu Marquesas: Turtle motif: health, fertility, longevity, peace, and unity.
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Hikoni Hawaiʻi Restricted or uncertain — sensitive historical practice: Tattoo brand placed on the forehead of a kauā (slave-caste person), or of one who seduced a high chief's wife; a punitive/status mark.
Related: Kauā, Maka uhi
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Ho'okupu Hawaiʻi: Offering or tribute.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Hula Hawaiʻi: Dance; performers often carried specific tattoos.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Hui ari'i Tahiti Research draft — source-cited: A type of tattoo specifically for chiefs.
Related: Ari'i
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak

Ihu Aotearoa: Nose; spiral moko elements are often applied here.
Related: Koru, Tā moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World

Kirituhi Aotearoa: Māori-style tattoo work not bound to whakapapa; distinct from tā moko in cultural obligation.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Awekotuku 2007
Kiri tuhi Aotearoa: Tattooing not regarded as having the cultural aspects of moko (non-traditional); an alternate spelling used in Te Aka Māori Dictionary.
Related: Kirituhi, Tā moko
Sources:Editors
Kākau Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian traditional tattooing.
Sources:Kaeppler 1988; Allen 2005
Kauri Aotearoa: Large native tree; its burnt gum and soot were used to make tattoo pigment.
Related: Wai ngārahu, Awheto
Sources:Editors
Kauae Aotearoa: Moko on the chin, typically for women. See also Moko Kauae.
Related: Moko Kauae, Ngutu
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Kōrere Aotearoa: Feeding funnel used for men whose mouths swelled after receiving tā moko.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Koru Aotearoa: Spiral shape based on the unfurling fern frond; new beginnings, growth, harmony, and genealogy; believed to carry human characteristics in tā moko.
Related: Pitau, Tā moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Kōwhaiwhai Aotearoa Research draft — source-cited: Traditional Māori scroll patterns seen in carving and meeting houses; nature, ancestry, and spiritual meanings.
Related: Koru
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Koruru Aotearoa Restricted or uncertain — extreme care required: Carved ancestor face at the apex of a meeting-house gable; extreme care is required if referenced in a moko context.
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Kākau kaha Hawaiʻi: To tattoo.
Related: Kākau, Kākau uhi
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kiko / Kikiko Hawaiʻi: Tattoo made of dots and spots.
Related: Kākau
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kākau uhi Hawaiʻi: To tattoo; the traditional tattooing art form.
Related: Kākau, Uhi (Hawaiian)
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kauā Hawaiʻi Research draft — source-cited: The slave caste, associated with specific tattooing customs.
Related: Hikoni
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kāhiko Hawaiʻi: Adornment, decoration.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kahekili Hawaiʻi: A historical Hawaiian chief noted for being tattooed on only one half of his body. Presented here as history, not as a design template.
Related: Pā'elekūlani
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kai Hawaiʻi: Sea.
Related: 'Āina
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kupuna Hawaiʻi: Elder; ancestor.
Related: 'Ohana, Mo'olelo
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kino Hawaiʻi: Body.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kuleana Hawaiʻi: Responsibility; right.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Kokoata Marquesas Publicly documented: Spirals on cheeks and hips indicating chiefs; a warrior pattern (all islands).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Koniho Marquesas Publicly documented: Lip marks; a women's face pattern.
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Ka'ake / Fanaa Marquesas Publicly documented: Girdle motifs; a women's back pattern (Nuku Hiva).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Kakau Tonga: To swim; associated with movement and fluidity, used metaphorically in art.
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Kātoanga Tonga: Festival, celebration; social gatherings where tattooing might occur or be displayed.
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Kolonga Tonga: Crown, wreath; can symbolize status or royalty.
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Kāinga Tonga: Kin, relatives, family; central to Tongan social structure and genealogy.
Related: Kolo, Fonua
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Kolo Tonga: Village, town; community and social organization.
Related: Kāinga
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Kare-tū Cook Islands: A tattoo mark denoting revenge; derived from kare (the seething foam of a breaking wave) and tu (uprearing, ready to break and descend).
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel

Le fa'asamoa Sāmoa: The Samoan Way of Life: cultural values, customs, and traditions.
Related: Matai, Faalupega, Lauga
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Lauga Sāmoa: Oratorical speeches; a traditional way of preserving wisdom.
Related: Le fa'asamoa
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Lupe mūtu'u Tonga: A kind of wild pigeon; mentioned as a tattoo motif.
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Langi Tonga: Sky, heaven, noble burial ground; signifies sacredness, status, and connection to ancestors.
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Leprosy marks (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs. Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.

Malu Sāmoa: The traditional Sāmoan female tatau, worn from the upper thigh to below the knee.
Related: Tatau, Pe‘a
Sources:Mallon 2018
Mamanu Sāmoa: The patterns within Samoan tattoos, described as messages from ancestors conveying identity and codes of conduct.
Related: Tatau
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Matai Sāmoa: Samoan chiefs, holding significant social and political roles.
Related: Le fa'asamoa, Faalupega
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Moana Polynesian: Ocean; a deep connection to the sea shared across Polynesian languages.
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Mana Polynesian: Spiritual force or energy; prestige, authority, and spiritual power. In Māori tradition, moko was associated with high mana and status.
Related: Tapu, Tā moko
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Mo'o / Moko (lizard) Polynesian: Lizard or gecko motifs tied to Polynesian myth, luck, and communication between humans and gods.
Related: Moko
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Moko Aotearoa: Māori tattoo designs; also used to mean logo or trademark; and also the lizard/gecko, spiritually linked to Whiro.
Related: Tā moko, Mo'o / Moko (lizard)
Sources:Editors
Moko kanohi Aotearoa: Facial moko, typically for men.
Related: Tā moko, Kauae
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Mataora Aotearoa: "The living face"; the expression given by carefully chosen moko elements; also the mythical figure who brought moko to humankind.
Related: Niwareka, Uetonga
Sources:Tongarewa; Museum
Moko Kauae Aotearoa Research draft — source-cited: Traditional female chin tattoo signifying identity, whakapapa, and status; a contemporary revival practice.
Related: Kauae, Whakapapa
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Moko Kuri Aotearoa Research draft — source-cited: Lattice facial pattern of vertical and horizontal lines observed by early European explorers.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Mokomokai Aotearoa Restricted or uncertain — no visual depiction; discuss only with care and historical context: Preserved tattooed heads of Māori ancestors; historically traded in the 19th century; extremely sensitive. No visual depiction is used on this site; discuss only with care and historical context.
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Maka uhi Hawaiʻi Restricted or uncertain — sensitive historical practice: Tattooed eyelid; a humiliating mark of a defeated warrior.
Related: Hikoni
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Mōlī Hawaiʻi: Bone tattooing needle; also refers to a straight line in the tattoo pattern.
Related: Molimolī, Mōlina
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Mōlina Hawaiʻi: A straight line in the tattoo pattern.
Related: Mōlī, Alaniho
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Molimolī Hawaiʻi: To tattoo using the mōlī needle.
Related: Mōlī, Pa'u
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Mahalo Hawaiʻi: Thanks; gratitude.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Mo'olelo Hawaiʻi: Story, legend, history.
Related: Kupuna
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Mata (Marquesan) Marquesas: Lips. Note: cross-check advised — some sources differ on this term.
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Mana'ia Tonga: A famous or distinguished (male) figure.
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Manu uru Rapa Nui Research draft — source-cited: Anthropomorphic figures covered with barkcloth, used by the ruling elite to communicate with divine ancestors.
Related: Tapa
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Matapea Rapa Nui: Tattoo placement under the eyes.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Malo (Fijian) Fiji: 1) A chiefly title in some areas. 2) Polynesian loincloth of barkcloth. 3) An ally in war, recognized by wearing the same style of loincloth.
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Malolo Fiji: Dance in sitting position; also an island name; to submit or a resting place; an expression heard in Lau when a person retires from a kava-drinking circle.
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Malua Fiji: Slow; in a while; take it easy.
Related: Vakamalua-taka
Sources:folksong.org.nz

Niho mano Multiple regions: A shark-tooth motif whose meaning varies by region, context, and composition. In Marquesan use: protection, guidance, strength, ferocity, adaptability.
Ngutu Aotearoa: Moko on the lips, typically for women.
Related: Kauae
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Ngarehu Aotearoa: Burnt timbers used to make black pigment for facial moko.
Related: Awheto, Wai ngārahu
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Niwareka Aotearoa: In Māori narrative, wife of Mataora who taught him moko.
Related: Mataora, Uetonga
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Niho / Nihoniho Marquesas: Teeth.
Related: Nihoniho peata, Peata
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Nihoniho peata Marquesas: Shark's teeth.
Related: Niho / Nihoniho, Peata, Niho mano
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Noa Rapa Nui: The ordinary state; opposite of mana.
Related: Mana
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak

Oko Aotearoa: Ornate vessels for storing moko pigment.
Related: Awheto
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Olopana Hawaiʻi: Credited in Hawaiian tradition with introducing tattooing to Hawaiʻi from Tahiti.
Related: Kākau
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Omua puaina / Puainga Marquesas Publicly documented: Ear patterns; a women's face pattern.
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Oko (Tahitian) Tahiti: Small, ornately carved vessels used to store tattoo pigments.
Related: Oko
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak

Pe‘a Sāmoa: The traditional Sāmoan male tatau extending from the waist to the knees.
Related: Tatau, Malu
Sources:Mallon 2018
Patutiki Marquesas: The Marquesan tattooing tradition, notable for dense, framed compositional structures.
Sources:Handy 1922
Pe'a mutu Sāmoa: A man who begins but does not complete his pe'a, historically carrying social weight.
Related: Pe‘a, Soga'imiti
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Pula'u Sāmoa: An untitled man with no tatau.
Related: Telefua / Telenoa
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Papa Polynesian: Earth, in Polynesian legend.
Related: Rangi
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Pakituri Aotearoa: Tattooing pattern on the thigh.
Related: Tā moko, Puhoro
Sources:Editors
Pūtaringa Aotearoa: Ear canal; also refers to tattoo marks under the ear.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Editors
Pokere Aotearoa: Dark, black, in darkness; also used to mean "entirely covered in tattooing."
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Editors
Puhoro Aotearoa: Moko on the thighs, typically for men.
Related: Tā moko, Pakituri
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Pākehā Aotearoa: New Zealander of European descent; historically viewed tā moko as distasteful (historical/context term).
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Pākati Aotearoa Research draft — source-cited: Dog-skin cloak pattern; courage, strength, warrior status, and protection.
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Pitau Aotearoa Research draft — source-cited: Spiral carving/moko motif representing new life and growth.
Related: Koru
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Pā'ele Hawaiʻi: Solid black tattoo without design.
Related: Pā'elekūlani
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Pā'elekūlani Hawaiʻi: Solid black tattoo on one side of the body only.
Related: Pā'ele, Kahekili
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Pa'u Hawaiʻi: Tattooing ink.
Related: Mōlī, Molimolī
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Pule Hawaiʻi: Prayer addressed to the divine patrons of tattooing before the work began.
Related: Kākau uhi
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Pono Hawaiʻi: Righteousness; balance.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Piko Hawaiʻi: Navel; center; origin.
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Peata Marquesas: Shark.
Related: Nihoniho peata
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Pu Marquesas: Conch shell.
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Puto'o Marquesas: Buttocks.
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Pa heke Marquesas Publicly documented: Oblique band crossing the face (Nuku Hiva).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Poka'a Marquesas Publicly documented: Motif at the base of the middle finger; a hand pattern (Tahu Ata, Fatu Hiva).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Pahito Marquesas Publicly documented: Back patches (Fatu Hiva).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Peka tua Marquesas Publicly documented: Unfinished back pattern (Nuku Hiva; common to all Marquesas).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Pangaha'a Rapa Nui: Tattoo placement on the cheeks.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Pare Rapa Nui: Tattoo placement on the arms.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Poporo (Solanum nigrum) Rapa Nui: A plant whose juice was sometimes mixed with soot to create tattoo ink.
Related: Ti (Cordyline fruticosa)
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Pottery (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs. Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.

Rangi Polynesian: Heaven, in Polynesian legend.
Related: Papa
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Rape Aotearoa: Moko on the buttocks, typically for men.
Related: Tā moko, Puhoro
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Rangatira Aotearoa: Chief, noble, or person of high rank; traditionally associated with moko.
Related: Tauwareware, Taurekareka, Mana
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World

Soga'imiti Sāmoa: A man who wears a completed pe'a; a title of deep respect and courage.
Related: Pe‘a, Tatau
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Siapo Sāmoa: Tree-bark cloth onto which traditional patterns were printed.
Related: Mamanu
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Soa Sāmoa: A partner or relative who accompanies someone receiving tatau, sharing the pain and rite of passage.
Related: Tatau, Pe‘a
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Stingray Polynesian: A Polynesian motif signifying protection, adaptation, grace, danger, agility, speed, and stealth.
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Single Twist / Double Twist / Triple Twist Aotearoa Publicly documented: Māori design motifs symbolizing the eternal bond between two or three people or cultures, loyalty, and friendship.
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Stars (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs. Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.

Tatau Sāmoa / Tahiti Research draft — source-cited: The Sāmoan and Tahitian word for tattoo; the etymological root of the English word. In Sāmoa, tatau signifies identity, cultural belonging, and a covenant between individual, community, and ancestors.
Related: Pe‘a, Malu
Sources:Mallon 2018; Ellis 1829
Tā moko Aotearoa: Māori tattooing tradition, historically applied with uhi (chisels) and worn according to whakapapa and role.
Related: Kirituhi, Whakapapa
Sources:Awekotuku 2007
Tufuga tā tatau Sāmoa: A traditional Sāmoan master tattoo practitioner belonging to a recognized lineage.
Sources:Mallon 2018
Telefua / Telenoa Sāmoa: Colloquial terms for an untattooed Samoan male ("naked").
Related: Pula'u
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Tiki Polynesian: Human-like figures representing semi-gods, deified ancestors, or chiefs; associated with protection, fertility, and guardianship.
Related: Enata
Sources:Tattoo; Lilieni 2022; Service; SAPIENS; Samoa; Museum; News
Tohunga-tā-moko Aotearoa: Traditional Māori tattoo experts, considered tapu (sacred and inviolable).
Related: Tā moko, Tapu
Sources:contributors
Tapu Aotearoa: Sacred, inviolable, under religious restriction.
Related: Mana, Tohunga-tā-moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Tā (mallets) Aotearoa: Small mallets used to strike the uhi into the skin.
Related: Uhi, Te Uhi a Mataora / Te Uhi a Toroa
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Te Uhi a Mataora / Te Uhi a Toroa Aotearoa: Names for the traditional uhi (chisels); the latter is commonly made from albatross bone.
Related: Uhi, Uhi matarau, Uhi kōhiti
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Tauwareware Aotearoa: Commoners, a traditional social stratum.
Related: Rangatira, Taurekareka
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Taurekareka Aotearoa: Slaves, a traditional social stratum.
Related: Rangatira, Tauwareware
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Tapu vae Marquesas: Sacred foot.
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Tou pae Marquesas Publicly documented: Three head ornaments; a whole face-band pattern (Fatu Hiva).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Tātatau Tonga: Tongan custom of tattooing.
Related: Tufunga tātatau, Tātatau faka-Tonga
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Tufunga tātatau Tonga: Cultural tattoo practitioner.
Related: Tātatau
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Tātatau faka-Tonga Tonga: Customary Tongan tattooing, often referring to its revival.
Related: Tātatau
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Tala fakafonua Tonga: Tongan stories or oral traditions.
Related: Fonua
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Tā Tonga: To strike, to hit, to tattoo.
Related: Tātatau
Sources:Koloamatangi 2022; Pasefika
Tatau (Tahitian) Tahiti: Tahitian word for tattoo, meaning to mark or puncture the skin.
Related: Tatau
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak
Tohunga ta moko (cross-regional reference) Tahiti: Traditional Māori tattoo specialists; cited here for cross-regional comparison.
Related: Tohunga-tā-moko, Tā moko
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak
Tufunga Rapa Nui: Brotherhood or guild of ritual craft specialists, including tattooists.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Tapa Rapa Nui: Barkcloth, used for clothing or ceremonial purposes.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Ti (Cordyline fruticosa) Rapa Nui: A plant whose dry leaves were burned to produce soot for tattoo ink.
Related: Poporo (Solanum nigrum)
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Tamokoroa Cook Islands: A design or pattern in tattooing; tattooed or inscribed on the chest (Rarotongan, archaic).
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel
Tātatau (Cook Islands) Cook Islands: Tattooing; body art.
Related: Tātatau
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel
Tatau (Cook Islands) Cook Islands: Traditional tattooing technique.
Related: Tatau
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel
Te Tatau Cook Islands: Tattoos as a vibrant cultural language telling stories of identity and ancestry.
Related: Tatau (Cook Islands)
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel
Tatauro Cook Islands: Cross-shape motif.
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel
Tivaevae Cook Islands Research draft — source-cited: Authentic representations of Cook Islands identity through artistic stylisation (from the quilted-textile art form of the same name).
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel
Turtles (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs. Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.

Uhi Aotearoa: Traditional Māori tattooing chisels historically used to carve tā moko.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Awekotuku 2007
Uetonga Aotearoa: In Māori narrative, father of Niwareka, who carved Mataora's moko.
Related: Mataora, Niwareka
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Uhi matarau Aotearoa: Serrated comb-like chisels for placing pigment.
Related: Uhi, Te Uhi a Mataora / Te Uhi a Toroa
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Uhi kōhiti Aotearoa: Flat-bladed chisels.
Related: Uhi, Te Uhi a Mataora / Te Uhi a Toroa
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Uhi (Hawaiian) Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian word for tattoo. Distinct from the Māori uhi, which is a chisel tool.
Related: Kākau, Kākau uhi, Uhi
Sources:Museum; Hambly 1925; Hiroa) 1957; Klarr 1999; Kaeppler 1997
Umu Ora O Te Tatú Rapa Nui: A curanto (earth-oven feast) of gratitude organized by parents after their children recovered from their first tattoos.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak
Ui-tatau Cook Islands: A tattooing instrument generally made from the bones of birds or rats.
Sources:Development; Mangos; Hewett; Travel

Veiqia Fiji: The Fijian tradition of female tattooing.
Vahana ae Marquesas Publicly documented: Half a forehead; part of a face pattern (Ua Huka).
Sources:Handy 1922; Museum
Publication / misuse warning:Do not draw designs; meanings are contextual and may be restricted.
Veimaliwai Fiji: Social relationships; to have an absence of social discord.
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Vakamalua-taka Fiji: To slow something down; in ceremony, to express formal recognition and gratitude.
Related: Malua
Sources:folksong.org.nz

Whakapapa Aotearoa: Genealogy; a foundational concept in Māori identity and in the wearing of tā moko.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Awekotuku 2007
Wai ngārahu Aotearoa: Pigment used in tā moko, made from the charcoal of resinous trees. Regional names include Māpara, Kāpara, Awe kāpara, Kauri kāpia, Ahi tā moko, and Ruangārehu.
Related: Awheto, Ngarehu, Kauri
Sources:Heritage
Whakairo Aotearoa: Carving; moko reflected traditional wood-carving skill applied to skin.
Related: Tā moko
Sources:Editors; Heritage; contributors; Tongarewa; Museum; Tattoo; Jade; Polynesia.com; Superprof; World
Whakatehe Tahiti Research draft — source-cited: Women's tattoos confined to the lips and chin, serving as fertility markings.
Sources:Tourisme; Krutak
Wai ni vanua Fiji: A term of preciosity for yaqona (kava), used in high ceremony.
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Wandering tattlers (veiqia motif) Fiji Publicly documented: Motif used in veiqia designs (a bird). Provenance: Viti Levu Bay, Fiji. Part of the traditional female veiqia tattooing tradition.
Related: Veiqia
Sources:folksong.org.nz
Publication / misuse warning:Designs are not provided; avoid drawing or inventing meanings.

Zigzagging bands of vertical lines Rapa Nui Publicly documented: Faint traces of tattooing observed on the legs and buttocks of tattooed elders in historical photographs; specific meaning is not documented.
Sources:contributors; Nui; Krutak