Meaning
The small diagonal cross fill motif of the northern Marquesan group — distinct from the anchor-scale Marquesan Cross. Marks a piece as coming from Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou or Ua Huka rather than the southern islands.
Polynesian Tattoo Motif
Vau CrossVau
The small diagonal cross fill motif of the northern Marquesan group — distinct from the anchor-scale Marquesan Cross. Marks a piece as coming from Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou or Ua Huka rather than the southern islands.
Traditional placement & use
Small in-panel fills at 2–5 cm scale, arranged in rows or clusters.
Cultural context
The Vau Cross motif is documented in Marquesan tattoo traditions. In Marquesan work it typically appears small in-panel fills at 2–5 cm scale, arranged in rows or clusters.
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 Vau Cross motif mean?
The small diagonal cross fill motif of the northern Marquesan group — distinct from the anchor-scale Marquesan Cross. Marks a piece as coming from Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou or Ua Huka rather than the southern islands.
Where does the Vau Cross motif come from?
The Vau Cross motif is documented in Marquesan tattoo traditions.
Where on the body is the Vau Cross motif traditionally placed?
Small in-panel fills at 2–5 cm scale, arranged in rows or clusters.
Is it appropriate to wear the Vau Cross 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 Vau Cross 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 Vau Cross
Pair this symbol with an artist trained inside the tradition it comes from.