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We interviewed one of the Owners to the Manea Dancers. They are one of the leading Polynesian Dance Groups that offer's temporary Polynesian Tattoos for their guests. Judy explains to us about the Polynesian Culture and the art of Tattoos. The popularity of Tahitian Tattoos were influenced by Dwayne Johnson formally known as the "Roc". Dwayne Johnson's tattoo has Marquessan Tiki's and art. So we will ask Judy more about the importance of Tattoos within the Polynesian Culture. 

Question: Where can people go to buy a Tahitian Tattoo that is similar to Dwayne Johnson's Chest Plate. 

Judy: Most authentic Tahitian Tattoo artist can be found in Hawaii and Tahiti. There are not many specialty Tahitian Tattoo artists in the U.S. 

How does one determine a design for their tattoo?

Judy: Design is purely interpretive from the artist. Most authentic Tahitian Tattoo artists will general interview the person. The tattoo is not just a tattoo for looks, it is art that shares history, spirituality, family, and love for the Polynesian Culture. Most Polynesian Dancers, Tahitian Drummers, and Samoan Fire Knife Dancers requests the tattoo artist to design a story about their passion in learning Polynesian Dancing, Drumming, and Fire. Every tattoo is unique nor will they copy another's person's tattoo. In a way, the Polynesian Tattoo is a spiritual expression of one's soul from inside. 

Do you know this person in this image?
Judy: Yes, that is Chief Miko lives in Tahiti now as his son Fatu continues the business in Hawaii. He is a Tahitian Carver that makes Toere Drums, Pahu Drums, and he was a performer. We bought drums from him to teach our new students. If you look at his tattoos, it shows a story about his life. Some of the images are showing travel, reflection of art of carving drums, and more. His artist has created his tattoos in progressions. Chief Nico just added his new tattoo to his forehead. As one grows older, they will add more tattoos to document their latest changes in life.  

How did you learn about Polynesian Tattoos?

Judy: Owning a Polynesian Group for over 30 years, eventually you will see new tattoos on your Drummers, Female Polynesian Dancers, and Fire Dancers. So it's very hard not to notice. Every person has a unique story which shows through their tattoo. 

Are all Polynesian Tattoos the same?

No tattoo is the same. Tahitian Tattoos are different from Samoan and Maori. 

If you look at the Maori Tattoo that Nico has designed for himself to perform his Haka to our guests. Every Island his their own distinct artistry.  

How popular is Polynesian Style Tattoos? 

Judy: Polynesian Tattoos are rare in general. Most performers will not hire a general tattoo artist to make a tattoo for them because they want to document their life correct in their tattoo.  

We have created Temporary Polynesian Tattoos for parties as an alternative to Henna Tattoo arts. We are noticing that the popularity is increasing every year as our customers has to book months in advance to have Temporary Polynesian Tattoos. Generally speaking, do not copy other people's tattoos and make sure your tattoo artist understands the Tiki, Petroglyphs, and symbology to design your tattoo.  

Which design is this tattoo that Mike Tyson is wearing?

Judy: This is a Moaori Style Tattoo, I recognize the fishing Hooks and male symbols. The artist that did his tattoo had his design copy written. If this is true then most likely is not Kiwi from New Zealand. You can not copyright history and Ancient History. I have admit that his tattoo is beautiful but it would be better if he understood the meaning in order appreciate the beauty and pride of being Maori. 

We make no claims for this tattoo but we are documenting the credit to the artist:

The Missouri-based artist, S. Victor Whitmill, created and copyrighted the design called “Tribal Tattoo” back in 2003 

For More Information about the Manea Dancers, you can visit. www.manea.net