Polynesian tattoos are not only extremely attractive but, unlike many other forms of tattoos, they also represent a historically authentic tradition. Fortunately, the past 150 years of Polynesian culture and folklore is pretty well documented visually -- there are lots of drawings, etchings and even photographs that have been created by the ever expanding tide of colonialism.

Picture one below is an old postcard depicting the a chief from New Zealand. The caption reads, "A Great Chief." You can clearly see the tattoos on the chief's forehead, face, and chin.

The second is an old postcard with two ladies from New Zealand. The caption reads, "GEORGINA and EILEEN, Twin Guides of Whaka." Both ladies have their chin tattooed in the traditional style of the Mauri.

The third picture is a photograph of a Maori woman from New Zealand, with a tattoo on her chin. This picture was taken towards the end of the 19th century.

The forth is an etching done by d'Urville around the beginning of the 19th century, showing a Tongan tattoo (called Tatatau).

The fifth picture shows the act of tattooing as it was done around the turn of the 20th century among the Polynesians.