Maori Tattoo Stencils

Maori tattoos: the most beautiful symbols and their meanings

Maori tattoos often have a very special meaning. We'll show you the most beautiful Maori symbols and reveal what's behind the tattoos.

Maori tattoos are more than body jewelry. They usually have a profound meaning and are very complex. The special tattoos have their origin in New Zealand. They were (and still are) one of the trademarks of the native people there, the Maori. But not only in New Zealand, also in Polynesia, which includes Hawaii, this type of body art looks back on a long history. What many do not know: Maori tattoos are even considered the original tattoos.

The meaning of Maori tattoos differs depending on the symbols used. Small motifs are often incorporated into an elaborate pattern. Sea symbols such as a wave, a turtle or shark's teeth are widespread.

Unlike "normal" tattoos, outsiders cannot see at first glance what the Maori tattoo means. Because every Maori tattoo is individually engraved and can even be adapted to your own life story. And that is exactly what makes the Polynesian tattoo, as this tattoo style is also called, so special.

Are Maori tattoos suitable for women?

Maori tattoos are mainly characterized by their wide lines and clear, striking patterns. As a result, the Polynesian symbols often appear very hard and dark. Usually a Maori tattoo also covers quite large areas of the body. For example, in the so-called Polynesian sleeve, the entire upper arm is traditionally tattooed.

Therefore, many mistakenly believe that Maori tattoos are only suitable for men. But that's not true. Women can also wear this traditional tattoo style great. There are many small Maori motifs with a great meaning.

Curious? We'll show you the most beautiful symbols that are suitable for both men and women - get inspired!

Popular Maori tattoo designs and their meanings

• Wave: symbolizes the ups and downs of life
• Speer: stands for fighting spirit, courage and bravery
• Tortoise: means longevity, fertility and peace
• Shark tooth: strength and assertiveness
• Koru (spiral): new beginning, harmony and self-realization
• Hei Tiki (head): means protection, wisdom, loyalty

• Maori tattoo design: waves

The wave can be found in many Maori tattoos. Sometimes it is very prominent as an element, but sometimes it is also inconspicuously incorporated into a large tattoo. In general, the wave symbolizes the ups and downs of life, i.e. the good and bad times.

If you don't dare to get a big, eye-catching Maori tattoo yet, the wave as a symbol can be the perfect introduction for you. You can, for example, have these tattooed very discreetly as a free-standing element.

• Maori tattoo design: the spear tip

At first glance, a spear looks pretty tough and threatening. The meaning behind it, however, is a really nice one: The Maori spear point stands for fighting spirit, courage and bravery. But this tattoo should also symbolize the thirst for adventure.

Spear tips can be used as a free-standing Maori tattoo, but also as a band around the arm or leg.

• Maori tattoo design: shark tooth

The shark tooth has a very similar meaning to the spear. This is also one of the somewhat "harder" motifs among the Maori tattoos and stands above all for strength and assertiveness.

In many Maori tattoos, shark teeth are depicted as small triangles. This reduced, graphic motif looks cool and modern.

•  Maori tattoo design: turtle

The turtle also has a very special meaning for the Maori. It stands for the mediation between land and water, as this animal can live in both places. This meaning is so special because for the Maori the ocean symbolizes the place where one continues to live after death. The turtle also stands for peace, fertility and a long life.

• Maori tattoo design: Koru (spiral tattoo)

The Koru is particularly important in Polynesian culture. The well-known spiral symbol stands above all for new beginnings and harmony.

• Maori tattoo design: Hei Tiki

The Hei Tiki is a god-like figure among the Maori. He is the first person in the world and is therefore worshiped by many. In a Maori tattoo, this symbol represents wisdom, fertility and loyalty.