A visual glossary read in context.

Shark tooth (Niho mano)

Niho mano · Niho manō

A triangular tooth-row motif whose meaning depends on region, placement, and neighboring elements — never a single universal reading.

Enata (human figure)

Enata

A stylized human figure recurring in Marquesan patutiki. Reading depends heavily on grouping and orientation.

Spearhead

A directional structural motif used to establish flow, thresholds, and rhythmic transitions.

Ocean waves

Wave motifs appear across most Polynesian tattooing traditions as ancestry, journey, and change.

Turtle (Honu)

Honu · Laumei

A recurring marine motif. Meanings vary across regions and cannot be reduced to one universal reading.

Manta ray

Fai / Hihimanu

A marine motif often associated with grace, guidance, and freedom of movement.

Sun (Lā / Rā)

Lā · Rā

A radiant elemental motif. Meaning depends on placement, surrounding elements, and regional tradition.

Koru (unfurling fern)

Koru

A spiral motif from Māori visual tradition depicting the unfurling frond of the silver fern.

Tiki figure

Tiki

An anthropomorphic figure with significant cultural and ancestral weight in specific traditions.

Lizard (Moʻo / Moko)

Moʻo · Moko

A reptilian motif carrying protective and spiritual associations across several traditions.

Border and frame patterns

Structural bands that contain, separate, or hand off between sections of a composition — carriers of rhythm, not stand-alone symbols.

Star (Aveau / Hōkū)

Aveau · Hōkū

A star motif associated with navigation and guidance in traditions built on ocean voyaging.

Pe'a (male full-body tatau)

Pe'a

Male full-body tattoo from waist to knees composed of dense geometric patterns signifying courage and cultural commitment.

Malu (female tatau)

Malu

Female tattoo running from the upper thigh to below the knee, using lighter and more open patterns signifying protection and nurture.

Fa'avae'ali

Fa'avae'ali

V-shaped motif referencing the legs of chiefs' wooden headrests ('ali).

Fa'aulutao

Fa'aulutao

Two-spear motif at the top of the malofie, symbolizing bravery in defending chief and family.

Fusi

Fusi

A "belt": a thick line above the knee that encourages fealofani (friendship) and peacemaking.

Single, double, and triple twist

Pikorua

Interlocking twist motifs representing the joining of two or three lives, cultures, or family bonds for eternity.

Pākati

Pākati

Dog-skin cloak pattern representing courage, strength, and warrior status.

Kōwhaiwhai

Kōwhaiwhai

Traditional scroll patterns from carving and meeting houses with tribal/family-specific meanings.

Pītau

Pītau

Spiral motif representing new life and growth.

Spiral elements and curvilinear rays (moko)

Moko kanohi elements

Facial moko elements on the nose, cheek, and jaw whose meanings are tied to individual genealogy.

Koruru

Koruru

Carved ancestor face. Extreme care required; avoid any depiction that could be seen as disrespectful.

Mokomokai (preserved tattooed ancestral heads)

Mokomokai

Preserved tattooed ancestral heads — extremely sensitive and sacred. No visual representation should be made.

Manu (bird)

Manu

Bird motif associated with navigation and spiritual messengers.

Makau (fishhook)

Makau

Fishhook motif associated with prosperity and safe passage over water.

Alaniho

Alaniho

Long stripe tattoo running from hip to ankle. Placement and meaning require deeper cultural understanding.

Asymmetrical designs (Hawaiian)

Asymmetry noted in Hawaiian tattooing, possibly for protective purposes.

Genealogical markings (Hawaiian)

Tattoos serving as protection and commemorating an individual's genealogy. Deeply personal and family-specific; should not be copied.

Kahekili's half-body tattoo

Kahekili

Historical: Maui chief Kahekili was tattooed on one half of his body.

Kokoata

Kokoata

Spirals on cheeks and hips indicating chiefs; a warrior pattern found across all the islands.

Tou pae

Tou pae

Three head ornaments; a whole face-band pattern from Fatu Hiva.

Pa heke

Pa heke

An oblique band crossing the face, from Nuku Hiva.

Pahito

Pahito

Back patches; an ancient patch pattern from Fatu Hiva.

Lupe Mūtu'u

Lupe Mūtu'u

A wild pigeon motif adorning the back of the manaʻia Vaenuku in Tongan oral history (tala fakafonua).

Small stars (Fetu'u)

Fetu'u

Small stars observed on the legs and feet of Vava'u women in 1830, described as a "spotted stocking."

Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga

Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga

The catafalque of the King of Tonga — the structure held up by pallbearers during a royal funeral.

Weapon motifs (Tahitian)

Motifs with a protective and decorative function analogous to magical spearhead tattoos.

Socks (design)

Characteristic designs on the feet and ankles of women.

Ario'i society grade tattoos

Avae Parai · Harotea · Taputu / Ha'aputu · Oti'ore · Hu'a · Atoro · Ohe mara · Tara tutu

A graded set of tattoos denoting rank within the elite ario'i religious society dedicated to the war god 'Oro.

Frigate bird (Manutara)

Manutara

A stylized frigate bird tattooed on the throats of noblemen, associated with the Birdman cult and the creator god Makemake.

Bird feathers / avian neck bands

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Four pairs of broad wavy stripes attached to small bird heads, tattooed on the neck, transforming the wearer into a "Birdman".

Komari

Komari

A symbol of female fertility appearing in Rapa Nui art and tattoos.

Curved lines and large dots (Humu or Puraki)

Humu · Puraki

Heavy curved lines crossing the forehead ear to ear combined with large dots on the forehead and temples; among the first motifs tattooed on the face.

Ceremonial paddles ('Ao or Rapa)

'Ao · Rapa

Ceremonial/dance paddles tattooed on the backs of women, sometimes marking significant life events.

Comet with curved tail

Maurua

Represented the star Maurua, used as a navigational reference point.

Geometric figures

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Drawn from Polynesian mythology — the sun, the ocean, and sea creatures.

Tivaevae-inspired patterns

Tivaevae

Authentic representations of Cook Islands identity through artistic stylization, drawn from the quilted-textile tradition.

Veiqia recorded categories (turtles, wandering tattlers, pottery, basketwork, stars, boats, leprosy marks)

Veiqia

Recorded categories of veiqia, the female tattooing tradition of Fiji, documented at Viti Levu Bay: turtles, wandering tattlers, pottery, basketwork, stars, boats, and leprosy marks.