The early Polynesian tattooists used the materials available in their environment as the equipment in practicing the art. The point that were used in embedding the pigment were made of boar tusk and albatross bone. The amazing Polynesian tattoo designs that were seen by early Europeans were products of these handcrafted tools. The early tribes made use of what was available in their surroundings. They did not have sophisticated tools but they were able to create gorgeous pieces of body art.
The advancement in technology has also influenced decorative body modifications. There are now motorized tattoo machines being used for precision. The machine can trace fine lines and tricky curves which are hard to do using hand-tapping. Laboratory researches have also produced different kinds of pigments that can be used. Aside from the traditional black color, there are also new colors that can be used for more variations. However, the traditional designs live on because of their beauty and uniqueness.