Meaning
The 'white-gourd' woven-lozenge fill — the densest of the Marquesan buttock and back fills, evoking the texture of Marquesan tapa cloth and food gourds. Documented in von den Steinen's northern-group plates.
Polynesian Tattoo Motif
Papua KeaPapua kea
The 'white-gourd' woven-lozenge fill — the densest of the Marquesan buttock and back fills, evoking the texture of Marquesan tapa cloth and food gourds. Documented in von den Steinen's northern-group plates.
Traditional placement & use
Interlocking-lozenge fill on the buttocks (papua), lower back and thigh papua panels.
Cultural context
The Papua Kea motif is documented in Marquesan tattoo traditions. In Marquesan work it typically appears interlocking-lozenge fill on the buttocks (papua), lower back and thigh papua panels.
Each tradition composes shared motifs differently: the same symbol can carry different weight depending on placement, scale, and the anchor motifs it sits next to. If this motif is on your shortlist, read the culture guide for the tradition it comes from and confirm with an artist trained inside that lineage before committing to a design.
Sources
For culture-by-culture sourced context on this and related motifs, see the factual reference guide or read the myths & misconceptions page for common errors this motif is often caught up in.
Related motifs
Shark Teeth
Niho Mano / Niho Manō
Protection, guidance, ferocity and adaptability. The shark is a guardian aumakua across Polynesia.
Spearheads
Tara
Courage, the warrior spirit and a sting against negativity.
Turtle
Honu
Longevity, family, fertility, navigation and peace. A sacred messenger between worlds.
Enata
Human figures representing ancestors, relationships and lineage.
Sun
Rā
Eternity, leadership, brilliance and rebirth.
Tiki
Semi-god, ancestor and protector against evil spirits.
Frequently asked
What does the Papua Kea motif mean?
The 'white-gourd' woven-lozenge fill — the densest of the Marquesan buttock and back fills, evoking the texture of Marquesan tapa cloth and food gourds. Documented in von den Steinen's northern-group plates.
Where does the Papua Kea motif come from?
The Papua Kea motif is documented in Marquesan tattoo traditions.
Where on the body is the Papua Kea motif traditionally placed?
Interlocking-lozenge fill on the buttocks (papua), lower back and thigh papua panels.
Is it appropriate to wear the Papua Kea motif?
Placement, gender restrictions and lineage sensitivity vary by tradition. Read the culture guide for the motif's origin and work with an artist trained inside that tradition before committing to the design.
Related
Keep exploring
Marquesan Tattoo — Patutiki Guide →
Long-form guide covering Papua Kea in cultural context.
Marquesan tradition →
Full culture page for the Marquesan tattoo tradition.
Factual reference guide →
Sourced motif meanings, tools, and revival history across all eight traditions.
Myths & misconceptions →
Common inaccuracies about Polynesian motifs corrected with citations.
Every Polynesian motif →
Browse the full 124-motif library organised by culture.
See it in the gallery →
Historical photographs and plates showing this motif in context.
Placement guide →
Which body zones suit which motifs.
Design glossary →
Terms like mana, tapu and tatau, cross-linked to motifs.
Prefer photographs? Jump straight to the Marquesan gallery section.
Build a design around Papua Kea
Pair this symbol with an artist trained inside the tradition it comes from.