The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook

I'll be getting a poly-tat soon and was looking for some ideas to design my own. Some of my family is from the Melanesian islands, in particular Fiji and papua New guinea. As its hard to find traditional designs from these islands unless I go there, I am settling for some common oceanic tribal designs to create my tattoo. This book was extremely helpful and will guide me with creating my own unique life story telling tattoo.

This is a must have for tattoo artist that plan on doing polynesian tattoos. You really need to know what the symbols mean before you put ink on anyone. Not to mention it's just plain respect for the history and art of tattooing. I bought the 2nd book but when it downloaded it was nothing but codes for printing the book or some weird crap . Waiting for the company to fix their info then I will buy it again. I was reimbursed for my book.

I am fascinated by the culture of the Polynesian Islands and want to incorporate the meanings, beliefs, and myths behind their tattoos into a tatoo design for myself. This book was easy to read, provided great visuals, and simply and concisely gave me quick insight into the deep and profound meanings that this culture and it's people put into their tattoo designs. Highly recommended for anyone who does not know much about Polynesian tattoos and wants to know more.

I don't know Phil nor Gemori personally, so I don't have any particular bias. I had a subscription to Phil's online dictionary (tahititataou) several years ago, and with all due respect to Phil, I disagree with his review that this book is simply a copy of his web site or that it is only for tourists. There is information on Phil's website that is not in this book and vice versa. For the most relevant material, this book covers most of what Phil's website covers. It explains the importance of tatau in polynesian culture, it explains the symbolism, it explains how one might go about selecting symbols, and it provides case studies. The latter, case studies, shows example tataus and breaks them down into the individual symbols. Phil's site does this too but not as well in my opinion. The one thing that Phil's site provides that is rather useful is a list of names and contact info for well known top polynesian tattooists around the world. My only three criticisms for this ebook are: 1. Table of contents do not let you jump quickly to the chapters. 2. Although it describes how one might go about designing one's tatau it does not mention a more important method- which is what you would really experience if you went to a polynesian tattooist. The tattooist will not usually ask you what specific symbols you want. Instead the tattooist will interview you and draw by hand his interpretation of what you tell them directly on your skin (no flash, just freehand). Then with your approval he will begin the tattooing. The tattooist chooses the symbols, not you. You and the tattooist enter a trust relationship and afterwards you will find that the outcome is even better than you could have imagined. I believe both Phil's website and this book underestimates how well a skilled tattooist can design something that is so much more aesthetically pleasing than you can. 3. The book is an advertising tool for its own website. But considering the low cost of the ebook and the amount of information received, I think the advertising in the book is tolerable. Overall for the amount of money you pay for the ebook, it is well worth it. I can understand why Phil is concerned. He charges significantly more for a subscription, but not for substantially more information. I'm sorry Phil but I'm just being honest. Your website introduced me to the beauty of polynesian tattooing, but I think overall this book gives you better value for the money spent.

The author did a terrific job gathering data and explaining the intricacies of Polynesian tattoo symbols. The perfect handbook for anyone considering a Polynesian tattoo.

I’m part Hawaiian, specifically 25%, which is a rather large hunk of my DNA. The only thing is, I’m as pale as paper with natural red hair. I want to show pride in my heritage, but living in Texas, there aren’t that many reliable Polynesian artists. I bought this book to get better insight on how to style my tattoo. If I can find inspiration on how I want my tattoo to look, I can sketch it out, so then all the tattoo artist will have to do is clean it up and help me adjust the design to fit my body. This book is informative, with specific details, and has the traditional bold Polynesian style. If these tattoos are your thing, I highly recommend a copy of this.

This book is presented in an easy to read format with great graphics. Its all in the details and this book explains the meanings. Ready for another tattoo!

This book is really great for someone wanting to create their own tattoo. I'm currently designing my own tradtional hawaiian tattoo and this is helping me so much. It give you details of polynesian tattoos, such as meaning of placement on the body, as well as the different "symbols". Teaches you how to create/breakdown a tattoo. How to incorprate what you want into the tattoo (i.e. like if you want to represent family, what symbol to use). I would definatly reccomend this book.

I have been thinking about getting myself a new Polynesian tattoo for a while now and this book has certainly helped me a lot, not only in choosing the designs which I feel suit me and my life, but how to place the tattoo correctly. Don't just copy what everybody else has - grab yourself this book and create something original for you and you only. It will take time to select, arrange and place your final design, but it really is worth taking the time for when you finally have it inked.

Le bouquin est bien décrit à la description... un livre en anglais pour ceux qui souhaitent se faire faire un tatouage polynesian. Dessins bien faits, descriptions correctes....

The book is amazing to learn the history and meaning of symbols

Muy bien explicado. Símbolos, letras, dibujos. Todo lo que necesitas para hacerte tu tatuaje. Recomendado. 100%. Mola mazo. Lo aseguro.

I bought it to have an idea for my next tattoo. Very helpful 👏🏼