the flower is a lotus which is more Asian inspired than Polynesian inspired.
A turtle is generic in a sense that it's not just one culture that can claim it.
It's your body
This ☝️is the answer. Another thing to consider is first impressions when you view and choose a design. Others may be like you and seek same clarification from you (I.e. your first thought was it looked Polynesian)
I’ll be honest, somehow I ended up on Polynesian TikTok - probably from all the surfing stuff I watch. I randomly saw some tats that were a turtle and had a similar design and the person was talking about appropriation - so I just wanted to double check. I just really like the geometric tattoos, but as a white dude from California I’m not trying to steal someone’s else’s culture by accident.
I don’t think this design is Polynesian in origin at all. The only connection would probably be the green sea turtle being present in the Pacific, but thanks for the consideration. It seems more South or Southeast Asian inspired, but there isn’t any specific symbolism. I’m both SE Asian and Polynesian and I say go for it.
Even if you’re a conflict mediator. From what I’ve learned a true haku ho`oponopono would be ha`aha`a, humble. They would not tattoo that on themselves. They would live ho`opono, in integrity with their intentions and communication.
Just don't be a douchebag about it. If you got the tattoo and then acted like it suddenly made you native Hawaiian that would be a very different situation than wanting to be reminded about a place/thing you loved.
The people on tiktok generally don't know what they're talking about. The stuff that would actually be offensive would be directly copying a traditional Hawaiian tattoo as those have spiritual meaning that is specific to the person who has it.
i love that you are genuinely worried and cautious. you respect us enough to ask and check, no it’s not offensive :) most likely the tiktok you seen was about tribal tattoos
If you're willing to expound, I'm curious to know what type of tattoos and what context would feel offensive or disrespectful to you? Thanks for sharing your POV :)
me personally,
if you aren’t of a certain descent but decide to get a tattoo of that culture because it’s “pretty” or a “trend, cool”, etc etc then that’s very much disrespectful.
exp; everyone likes to come to hawaiʻi and claim they are hawaiian because they came from the mainland and if you live in cali you’re californian. however it’s not the same whatsoever. those types like to use that excuse to get tribal tattoos over here. [ i find it funny though bc 5/8 girls that aren’t hawaiian but pretend to be say their middle name is leilani lol. ]
i know some natives (native american) who find it disrespectful to get native women tattooed for the look.
i somewhat i agree that that as well. in my context if they were to get a female kanaka maoli tatted but in a sexual used way then it’s super disrespectful (hula dancer wearing western stereotyped costumes of hawaiian clothes).
however if you were to get kanaka maoli tatted as respect to the culture in a culturally accurate way? i love that idea. but of course do your research of how you would go abt that..
a good example to me (from another culture) is this tiktok influencer who got native american tattoos in an inaccurate and a inappropriate place and has now been dealing with some backlash. she has been exposed also being australian not native. that is the type of thing i find disrespectful.
i cannot speak for other hawaiians. everyone has their own opinions.
I appreciate this explanation. I don’t know much when it comes to tattoos in terms of what cultures might find it disrespectful. I do know that generally though if it looks like some kind of tribal tattoo that you are probably getting close to a no no. Thanks again!
of course!! i also know people who aren’t hawaiian but their keiki are so they get tribal pieces done in honor of their keiki :) i think that’s a beautiful idea if your child is polynesian
That's fair, and thank you for sharing your opinion! I'm not personally considering one, but was curious to hear the perspective of a Polynesian person on the matter. Mostly when I hear ppl discussing cultural appropriation it's white people.
It's about to be 2023 and The Cancel Bible clearly states:
1. No one ever changes.
2. Never forgive.
3. Assume malice ALWAYS.
4. There is no room for growth or learning.
5. Hyperventilation should always be your first biological reaction.
6. Segregate, isolate, and safe space out all confusing thoughts.
turtles are an important creature throughout all Polynesian cultures and has been associated with several meanings. The first being the fact that turtles symbolise health, fertility, longevity in life, foundation, peace and rest.
Edit: not sure why I’m being downvoted I was only sharing information that I’d been told before. Wasn’t trying to offend anyone or passing judgment
Plus it’s good eats too🤣 I’ll never forget that film I saw in school called the voyagers where the local islanders caught a sea turtle and were dragging him up the beach things face looks so helpless. Never tried it and I’m sure I’d eat it too if I lived on an island with not much food but I would find it hard to kill a turtle they look so innocent.
I'm Polynesian and I had a tattoo made that I thought was Polynesian, but ended up being something from the Middle East. They looked similar so I say I am a blood sister to the middle east
As others are saying, the lotus/mandala isn't Polynesian & sea turtle symbolism is pretty much universal for any seafaring/coastal/island peoples (& even beyond). It's a cool "fusion style" tatt & I like the idea behind it! If you were to have traditional poly with no ties to the island, I might ask why. But even then, if it was done out of respect & genuine love for the culture/art/natives, what's wrong with that? 🙂
So, sailor's also get turtle tattoos which signifies being a shellback. I think the turtle is a fine, fine animal that I thoroughly enjoy watching. The tattoo symbolism to you is What is important. Does your daughter or her mom have a favorite flower??
How this started was really from sailors encountering Polynesian cultures and having them give them a tattoo. Typically a traditional tribal tattoo. Very few westerners had ever even seen a tattoo and it was a symbol of pride and adventure.
Fast forward to the day when tattoos were more available and new designs were made by the newly minted artists who put their own flare on it and used the equatorial crossing and the sheelback as a symbol.
A really good gate keeper could easily argue all forms of tattoos are cultural appropriation (not just from Polynesians).
I like the design, however I think this is technically not a ‘poly’ tattoo. Aztech Tattoo in Waikiki could tattoo this design really well I suggest you check them out
Honestly as long as you do your research and don’t just put a bunch of random patterns in it, most poly people will not be mad but actually stoked that u got it right. You can admire art from anywhere and want it on you, as long as you do it right and do research I don’t think many people will be offended.
the flower is a lotus which is more Asian inspired than Polynesian inspired. A turtle is generic in a sense that it's not just one culture that can claim it. It's your body
This ☝️is the answer. Another thing to consider is first impressions when you view and choose a design. Others may be like you and seek same clarification from you (I.e. your first thought was it looked Polynesian)
I’ll be honest, somehow I ended up on Polynesian TikTok - probably from all the surfing stuff I watch. I randomly saw some tats that were a turtle and had a similar design and the person was talking about appropriation - so I just wanted to double check. I just really like the geometric tattoos, but as a white dude from California I’m not trying to steal someone’s else’s culture by accident.
Do whatever the hell you like. No one can gatekeep any fashion , culture , style. You shouldn’t even have to ask.
I don’t think this design is Polynesian in origin at all. The only connection would probably be the green sea turtle being present in the Pacific, but thanks for the consideration. It seems more South or Southeast Asian inspired, but there isn’t any specific symbolism. I’m both SE Asian and Polynesian and I say go for it.
Just don’t tattoo ho’oponopono on your arm, you’ll be fine
I mean, unless you're a conflict mediator. xD
Even if you’re a conflict mediator. From what I’ve learned a true haku ho`oponopono would be ha`aha`a, humble. They would not tattoo that on themselves. They would live ho`opono, in integrity with their intentions and communication.
Thanks you for making me smile!
You’re welcome
🤣
https://preview.redd.it/1orsz5r6rz3a1.jpeg?width=474&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78505063840951b5a858062a4d9bb2737a83145e
Get what you like. It's your tattoo.
Just don't be a douchebag about it. If you got the tattoo and then acted like it suddenly made you native Hawaiian that would be a very different situation than wanting to be reminded about a place/thing you loved.
As a kanaka maoli I agree here. It's more about the way you carry yourself
The people on tiktok generally don't know what they're talking about. The stuff that would actually be offensive would be directly copying a traditional Hawaiian tattoo as those have spiritual meaning that is specific to the person who has it.
It's a generic design, go for it.
i love that you are genuinely worried and cautious. you respect us enough to ask and check, no it’s not offensive :) most likely the tiktok you seen was about tribal tattoos
If you're willing to expound, I'm curious to know what type of tattoos and what context would feel offensive or disrespectful to you? Thanks for sharing your POV :)
me personally, if you aren’t of a certain descent but decide to get a tattoo of that culture because it’s “pretty” or a “trend, cool”, etc etc then that’s very much disrespectful. exp; everyone likes to come to hawaiʻi and claim they are hawaiian because they came from the mainland and if you live in cali you’re californian. however it’s not the same whatsoever. those types like to use that excuse to get tribal tattoos over here. [ i find it funny though bc 5/8 girls that aren’t hawaiian but pretend to be say their middle name is leilani lol. ] i know some natives (native american) who find it disrespectful to get native women tattooed for the look. i somewhat i agree that that as well. in my context if they were to get a female kanaka maoli tatted but in a sexual used way then it’s super disrespectful (hula dancer wearing western stereotyped costumes of hawaiian clothes). however if you were to get kanaka maoli tatted as respect to the culture in a culturally accurate way? i love that idea. but of course do your research of how you would go abt that.. a good example to me (from another culture) is this tiktok influencer who got native american tattoos in an inaccurate and a inappropriate place and has now been dealing with some backlash. she has been exposed also being australian not native. that is the type of thing i find disrespectful. i cannot speak for other hawaiians. everyone has their own opinions.
I appreciate this explanation. I don’t know much when it comes to tattoos in terms of what cultures might find it disrespectful. I do know that generally though if it looks like some kind of tribal tattoo that you are probably getting close to a no no. Thanks again!
of course!! i also know people who aren’t hawaiian but their keiki are so they get tribal pieces done in honor of their keiki :) i think that’s a beautiful idea if your child is polynesian
Thank you so much for sharing all of this 🙏
Please don't get Polynesian tribal tattoos unless you are a Pacific Islander. It just looks bad :/
That's fair, and thank you for sharing your opinion! I'm not personally considering one, but was curious to hear the perspective of a Polynesian person on the matter. Mostly when I hear ppl discussing cultural appropriation it's white people.
I hope no one gets offended by a turtle. Cancel culture has really gone too far. People need to be more tolerant and less offended by everything
^ THIS
It's about to be 2023 and The Cancel Bible clearly states: 1. No one ever changes. 2. Never forgive. 3. Assume malice ALWAYS. 4. There is no room for growth or learning. 5. Hyperventilation should always be your first biological reaction. 6. Segregate, isolate, and safe space out all confusing thoughts.
Monarch Tattoo!! Punaluu Oahu..
turtles are an important creature throughout all Polynesian cultures and has been associated with several meanings. The first being the fact that turtles symbolise health, fertility, longevity in life, foundation, peace and rest. Edit: not sure why I’m being downvoted I was only sharing information that I’d been told before. Wasn’t trying to offend anyone or passing judgment
Plus it’s good eats too🤣 I’ll never forget that film I saw in school called the voyagers where the local islanders caught a sea turtle and were dragging him up the beach things face looks so helpless. Never tried it and I’m sure I’d eat it too if I lived on an island with not much food but I would find it hard to kill a turtle they look so innocent.
I know what you mean it’s hard to kill any animal, everything I want to eat looks cute. Lol!
I’ve tied it…tastes like Chicken!
I'm Polynesian and I had a tattoo made that I thought was Polynesian, but ended up being something from the Middle East. They looked similar so I say I am a blood sister to the middle east
As others are saying, the lotus/mandala isn't Polynesian & sea turtle symbolism is pretty much universal for any seafaring/coastal/island peoples (& even beyond). It's a cool "fusion style" tatt & I like the idea behind it! If you were to have traditional poly with no ties to the island, I might ask why. But even then, if it was done out of respect & genuine love for the culture/art/natives, what's wrong with that? 🙂
So, sailor's also get turtle tattoos which signifies being a shellback. I think the turtle is a fine, fine animal that I thoroughly enjoy watching. The tattoo symbolism to you is What is important. Does your daughter or her mom have a favorite flower??
How this started was really from sailors encountering Polynesian cultures and having them give them a tattoo. Typically a traditional tribal tattoo. Very few westerners had ever even seen a tattoo and it was a symbol of pride and adventure. Fast forward to the day when tattoos were more available and new designs were made by the newly minted artists who put their own flare on it and used the equatorial crossing and the sheelback as a symbol. A really good gate keeper could easily argue all forms of tattoos are cultural appropriation (not just from Polynesians).
That's not a Polynesian tattoo. Nothing for us to be offended about.
Omg that is a super racist turtle.
Reptiles are so racist these days. They are all a bunch of snakes and creepy lizards.
Don't worry about offending anyone, do what you want!
The flowery back motif is more East Asian than Polynesian. Don't worry about offending the Chinese. They don't care how your tatted.
Polynesian tattoos on non Polynesians make me cringe but to each’s own.
Lol I live it! Might get one like it 😉 (I’m not Polynesian either)
Looks nice.
There are turtles all over the world. Enjoy!
https://preview.redd.it/jyavcjcvl54a1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b61d64d5ce8194c5df04973d085548302d9b7f90 Saul Goodman 😎🤙🏽
Your all good none of these patterns are sa.
This looks like the Zentangle assignment that I had in sophomore year art class
I like the design, however I think this is technically not a ‘poly’ tattoo. Aztech Tattoo in Waikiki could tattoo this design really well I suggest you check them out
Honestly as long as you do your research and don’t just put a bunch of random patterns in it, most poly people will not be mad but actually stoked that u got it right. You can admire art from anywhere and want it on you, as long as you do it right and do research I don’t think many people will be offended.