Samenvatting

This paper examines the complex relationship between tattooing and tourism, questioning whether the global spread of indigenous tattoo practices represents cultural appreciation or appropriation. Focusing on Polynesian traditions, particularly Māori tāmoko and Samoan tatau, the study explore show these practices have evolved under the pressures of colonialism, globalization, and commodification. Through qualitative case analysis, the research investigates how indigenous communities negotiate authenticity, ownership, and cultural integrity in the face of growing tourism demand. The inclusion of the Kalinga batok tattoo tradition in the Philippines provides a comparative lens, highlighting how similar cultural practices can follow different trajectories under tourism. By integrating theories of cultural practices, perception of traditions, and cultural appropriation, the study reveals that tattoo tourism can serve both as a tool for cultural revitalization and a risk to heritage when detached from its original meaning. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of culturally grounded frameworks for managing tattoo tourism, recommending collaborative strategies between communities and the tourism industry to ensure ethical representation and sustainable cultural exchange. Ultimately, it argues for a shift from cultural appropriation toward appreciation rooted in respect, reciprocity, and community empowerment.