Polynesian words and phrases

thumb|upright|A tattoo in progress with a rope-and-anchor design inspired by traditional sailor tattoos, alongside a sketch of the design thumb|upright|Application of a tattoo to a woman's footA tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing processes and techniques, including hand-tapped traditional tattoos and modern tattoo machines. The history of tattooing goes back to Neolithic times, practiced across the glo

Kava or kava kava (Piper methysticum: Latin 'pepper' and Latinized Greek 'intoxicating') is a plant in the pepper family, native to the Pacific Islands. The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning 'bitter'. Kava can refer to either the plant or a psychoactive beverage made from its root. The beverage is a traditional ceremonial and recreational drink from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Nakamals and kava bars exist in many countries. Traditional kava is made by grinding fresh or dried kava root, mixing it with water or coconut milk, and straining it into a communal bowl. Outside

Polynesian spiritual practice

thumb|A Māori people|Māori man painting a tattoo on a carved wooden tiki at [[Whakarewarewa model village, New Zealand, ]] thumb|upright|Hawaiian kii at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park thumb|upright|Tiki statuette from the [[Marquesas]]

Polynesian traditional concept denoting something holy or sacred

oceanic light phenomenon

A tapere or sub-district is a low-level traditional land subdivision on five of the Southern Cook Islands (Rarotonga, Mangaia, Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mauke), comparable to the ahupua'a of the main Hawaiian Islands or to the kousapw of Pohnpei. Among the populated raised islands, only Mitiaro is not subdivided into tapere. The remaining Southern Cook Islands, Manuae, Palmerston and Takutea, are atolls and/or uninhabited, and therefore not subject to this type of traditional subdivision. The atolls of the Northern Cook Islands are subdivided into motu (populated atoll islets) instead.