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The word tatau (tattoo) in Samoan means appropriate, balanced and fitting.
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In this series of articles, let’s explore the history behind tatau Samoa, outline how it was practiced in the ‘old days’, and then have a chat about how the artform has evolved along with the Samoan culture today.
11 kwi 2021 · Samoan Tattoos, called tatau in the Samoan language, are a type of Polynesian tattoo that became famous in popular culture from WWE or the Rock. But way before tough-guy celebrities started getting Samoan tattoos, this was an ancient practice of immense importance to Samoan history and culture.
5 lis 2024 · Samoan tattoos, known as tatau, are more than just beautiful designs on the skin; they hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. This ancient practice connects individuals to their heritage, community, and ancestors.
One of the world’s most elaborate and richly symbolic systems of body decoration, it was carried out by master tattooists (tufuga), who employed sophisticated tattooing tools of various sizes, tapping them rhythmically with a wooden mallet to apply the designs.
Our tatau practice involves family, ritual, restrictions, a considerable price and high expectations of the person who receives a traditional Samoan tattoo. Every symbol in our tatau represents something in history or nature, and every pattern carries a message from our ancestors.
25 maj 2016 · O se tasi o sāuniga aloaia, paia ma mamalu mo so‘o se Sāmoa e na te talia ai le mālōfie mo tama tane, a o le malu mo tama‘ita‘i. The tradition of tātatau and tatau is truly embedded in Samoan custom. One of the most sacred rites of passage for any Samoan is to receive a malofie or pe‘a for men and a malu for women.