More from Lilieni
This Samoan Proverb is a warning about procrastination

This Samoan Proverb is a warning about procrastination

I've been hanging out with my uncle lately. He's a pretty intense kinda guy. He's loud. He laughs like thunderclaps... or sometimes suffocation. And he tells those long, drawn out jokes with such conviction that the anticipation kills you... ...and then the punchline is hit or...

Do I have to be Samoan to get a Samoan tattoo?

Do I have to be Samoan to get a Samoan tattoo?

This article is a bonus post in a series called: The Truth about the Samoan Tattoo (tatau)... which has so far sparked so much conversation in the comments section (below). This series is about the history of the tatau, about the cultural significance of the pe'a and malu...

The Truth about the Samoan Tattoo (Tatau) – Part II

The Truth about the Samoan Tattoo (Tatau) – Part II

Back in 2010 I had the privilege of interviewing my Samoan culture teacher, Tofaeono Tanuvasa Tavale, outside of class. I had so many questions for him about our fascinating culture, but I especially wanted to know about our tatau (tattoo) traditions. That interview turned into...