Meaning
Courage, the warrior spirit and a sting against negativity.
Polynesian Tattoo Motif
SpearheadsTara
Courage, the warrior spirit and a sting against negativity.
Traditional placement & use
Connecting bands, accents along the spine of a sleeve, radiating from focal motifs.
Cultural context
The Spearheads motif is documented in Marquesan and Samoan tattoo traditions. In Marquesan work it typically appears connecting bands, accents along the spine of a sleeve, radiating from focal motifs.
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.
Turtle
Honu
Longevity, family, fertility, navigation and peace. A sacred messenger between worlds.
Sun
Rā
Eternity, leadership, brilliance and rebirth.
Centipede
Vete
Warrior, aggression turned into protection.
Enata
Human figures representing ancestors, relationships and lineage.
Ocean Waves
Tai / Ngaru
Life, continuity, change and the journey. The sea connects all Polynesian peoples.
Frequently asked
What does the Spearheads motif mean?
Courage, the warrior spirit and a sting against negativity.
Where does the Spearheads motif come from?
The Spearheads motif is documented in Marquesan and Samoan tattoo traditions.
Where on the body is the Spearheads motif traditionally placed?
Connecting bands, accents along the spine of a sleeve, radiating from focal motifs.
Is it appropriate to wear the Spearheads 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 Spearheads 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 Spearheads
Pair this symbol with an artist trained inside the tradition it comes from.