Hand-tapping is the primitive method used in executing Polynesian tattoo designs. It is a rigorous task of embedding the pigment in the skin by tapping the tool. The tip of the tool is made of boar’s tusk which has the ideal weight and strength for the tattooing job. The hand-tapping method takes time so the tattoo artist must have the patience to consistently do the movement for a considerable number of hours. A simple leg band design can take about two hours to complete.

Although hand-tapping is still widely used by modern tattoo artists, the tattoo machine has made life easier for these body art practitioners. Most of the new tattooists are comfortable in using the more modern tattoo machine which is electrically operated. On the other hand, the most advanced Polynesian tattoo practitioners prefer to go back to the old ways in doing some of their treasured masterpiece designs. They are looking more on the spiritual side of doing the art when using the hand-tapping method.