Reviewed & updated: March 4, 2023 by Jamie Wilson BA
Samoans or Samoan people are a part of the Polynesian ethnic group, which is linked to natives of the Samoan Islands. A Polynesian tattoo or Samoan tattooing is an often go-to for men who love bold and defined tattoo designs. This is a traditional and manly tattoo that is named male tatau. Usually, it was a huge honor in the Samoans culture to get the Samoan tattoo. If you are interested in some different designs & traditional tattoo designs, you will enjoy this Samoan tattoo article! Or as we all know them – tribal designs!
Is The Rock’s Tattoo Samoan?
Dwayne Johnson (the rock) has the Polynesian tribal tattoo on his left arm, chest, and shoulder. His mother actually had the Samoan descent. He ended up getting this tattoo because he wanted to represent his culture as well as his heritage. These Polynesian tattoos are often also Hawaiian tattoos and are a huge traditional go-to for many women & men.
Do Samoan Tattoos Hurt?
Unfortunately, yes. Your tattoo artist can have a steady forearm & patience of steel. However, Polynesian tattoo design is very detailed, defined, as well as filled with many different patterns that can hurt & be quite time-consuming. If your skin is sensitive & you don’t have the time to get this tattoo – rather skip on this design. Go for a smaller symbol and something that does not hurt as much. But overall, Polynesian tattoo designs can hurt.
Top 12 Samoan Tattoo Designs
1. Polynesian Pattern Tattoo
The perfect Samoan tattoo is this Polynesian tattoo design. If you don’t mind the pain level, you will enjoy getting this design on your shoulder. Defined designs often have a deeper meaning, but this one is just the typical & perfect Polynesian modern tattoo. It is covered in many different symbols and is very well-done.
2. Maori Tattoo Design
Maori tattoo leg is an often go-to design by many guys. However, how about you step out of your comfort zone and be a little different, so you try out some other ideas? This Maori tattoo can look amazing on your shoulder. It is one of those designs that have many different & detailed pieces.
3. Fijian Tattoo Design
If you are a fan of leg or calf tattoo designs, you may enjoy this Tatau Samoa. These Polynesian tattoos are perfect if you are into smaller designs. This Samoan tattoo should be your go-to if you are getting ink for the first time. Make sure you always start out slow and slowly & gradually get bigger pieces.
4. Samoan Tattoos On Leg
If you are not a fan of calf tattoo designs, you should get this Samoan tattoo just below your knee. The pain level for this tattoo is not too bad, and you will enjoy the process itself. Your artist won’t take too much time as they would if they were tattooing your chest.
5. Samoan Tattoo On Arm
A Samoan tattoo can be a bit smaller, such as this one. If you don’t want a sleeve tattoo, but you want to enjoy Samoan tattoos at a smaller area – get it over your hand. Tattooed men prefer smaller pieces that have deep meanings. If you are like them, rather get this tattoo than a giant Polynesian tattoo.
6. Traditional Samoan Tattoo On Shoulder & Back
A sleeve tattoo that is connected and done over your back is very attention-seeking. Do you prefer something that has a deeper meaning? You can add so many different designs and smaller details. Style your back & your arm with a sun sign, arrows, and an ocean! This Polynesian tattoo is perfect for men who love their culture, and who love a giant black tattoo.
7. Tribal Tattoos Samoan Over Entire Arm
If you love chest & shoulder tattoo designs, you will enjoy this one. Just make sure you are satisfied with your form and your shape before you go for any tribal tattoo with meaning. Tattooing in Samoa has a deeper meaning, so make sure you pick out a design that suits your style.
8. Samoan Tattoo Over Chest & Shoulder
This Samoan tattoo over the chest is very well-done. It is done with black ink, and it can be your go-to if you are into Polynesian history. If you are that person who enjoys bold tattoos over your chest, you will enjoy this one for sure.
9. Traditional Tattoo Samoan With Turtle
Some guys love shark teeth tattoo designs, others are into swords & knives, and some guys love turtles! You should get this turtle tattoo design if you are into smaller Samoan tattoos. A tattoo of a turtle has a specific meaning – it represents mother earth. If you prefer tattoos with meaning, you will like this cool design.
10. Black Sleeve Tattoo With Samoan Print
Samoan tattoos look the best once done in this form – detailed and all over the arm & shoulder. This tattoo design is hard to achieve, so make sure you book a good artist that knows how to do Samoan tattoos.
11. Popular Samoan Design On A Calf
Tattooing in Samoa is different for everyone, but some guys love calf tattoos more than other Samoan tattoos. This design of a tribal chief is perfect for guys who prefer smaller Samoan tattoos. Also, rather start out slow and work your way up & around your tattoo. The best part regarding Samoan tattoos is that you can easily add-up on them.
Watch A Video Of The Best 100+ Samoan Tattoos You Need To See!
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12. Traditional Samoan On Upper Shoulder
This detailed Samoan tattoo reminds a lot of a Leo. Samoan tattoo meanings are often different, but this Samoan tattoo stands for power, fire, as well as respect. If you are into a Samoan tattoo that has a meaning, you will enjoy this design over your shoulder.
On That Note
Samoan tattoos are perfect for everyone! You can get them if you are a guy, a girl, or someone who needs a tattoo with meaning. Society loves different tattoos, some are into family portraits, but Samoan tattoos are ideal for people who love bolder & tribal prints. Do you feel like you can rock a tribal print? Let us know which design is the coolest out of our 12 suggested options!
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