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 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