DNA Testing for Polynesian Genealogy Workshops
Ethical considerations of DNA testing include the potential impact on family relationships and privacy. Jane shared advice on how to handle the discovery of family secrets and the importance of being prepared for such revelations. She emphasized the need for open communication an
Overview: Samoan Family History and Genealogy Challenges, Opportunities
Like many in the Samoan diaspora, I first encountered pieces of my family history in fragments. I heard the name of my mother's village. Relatives would be introduced and stories shared at church and family gatherings. I knew the songs and dances held more meaning than the music around me growing up in San Diego — but I was shy to ask, and the pieces never quite formed a whole. Over time, those fragments became questions. Genealogy became my way of working to bring them together.
Traditional Samoan tattoos and why they're important to us
While tattooing originated centuries before the Pacific Islands were even populated, tatau - the Samoan tattoo artform - has been practiced from the beginning of Samoan history and carries a rich, com...
The Story of Lauli'i, A Daughter of Samoa | Book Review
Do you know how they made the ava (kava) back in the day? I'm talking over 100 years ago... Well, the taupou in the village would break off pieces of the ava root, chew them into a pulp, then spit all...
The Truth about the Samoan Tattoo (Tatau) - Part III
So far, we've looked at the origin legend of the Samoan tattoo, as documented in an old Samoan chant. We also talked about the symbols in the malofie/pe'a and malu tattoos, and we've got a passionate conversation still going (in the comments) about who should and shouldn't be all
Do I have to be Samoan to get a Samoan tattoo?
Both these tatau cover a person's thighs, with the pe'a reaching up over a man's hips to his waistline. They are administered by tradesmen (tufuga) who are skilled in the art of tatau, using handmade tools called 'au ta, in a painful procedure that can last hours for the malu and
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 s
The Truth About the Samoan Tattoo (Tatau)
Tattoo is an artform that's been practiced around the world since... forever... but traditional Samoan tattoos - tatau - are an especially iconic expression of Samoan culture and the values we hold as a people. Over time, and partly because our tattoo patterns have become so popu
Matai: A Complicated System of Chiefs
Matai is the Samoan word for leader, or chief, or even (in the poetic sense) father. Samoan society is organized by family, and each family has its own matai titles, which are connected to certain dis...