Maori tattoos: The most beautiful symbols and their meaning

Maori tattoos are more than body decoration. They usually have a deep meaning and are very complex. The special tattoos have their origins in New Zealand. They were (and still are) one of the trademarks of the local indigenous people, the Maori. But this type of body art has a long history not only in New Zealand, but also in Polynesia, which includes Hawaii. What many people don't know: Maori tattoos are even considered to be 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 teeth are widespread.

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

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

Many people 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!

The wave can be found in many Maori tattoos. Sometimes it is a very prominent 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 yet dare to get a large, eye-catching Maori tattoo, the wave symbol can be the perfect introduction for you. For example, you can have these tattooed very discreetly as a free-standing element.

At first glance, a spear seems quite hard and threatening. However, the meaning behind it is really beautiful: For the Maori, the spearhead represents fighting spirit, courage and bravery. But this tattoo should also symbolize the spirit of adventure.

Spearheads can be done as a free-standing Maori tattoo, but also as a band around the arm or leg.

Reading tips:

The shark tooth also has a very similar meaning to the spear. This is also one of the somewhat “harder” motifs among 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.

More about this:

Not only the motifs themselves, but also the “stinging” of Maori tattoos differs from conventional tattoos. Maori tattoos are traditionally not done with a fine needle, but rather worked into the skin with a hammer and chisel. The procedure seems brutal and was or is associated with great pain.

Also read:

But don't worry: Today Maori tattoo motifs can also be engraved with modern tattoo machines. However, studios that immortalize Maori tattoos on the skin using the traditional hammering method are very rare.

The cost of a Maori tattoo varies greatly and depends primarily on the size and effort. Roughly you can say that tattoo studios charge an average of around 100 to 150 euros per hour for a Maori tattoo. If you decide on a small tattoo that lasts an hour, you will pay around 150 euros. However, if you have a large motif, the Maori tattoo can quickly cost over 1,000 euros.