Polynesian-style tattoos became popular due to figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Disney’s “Moana,”. Samoan tattoos share similarities with Polynesian tattoos. It has unique characteristics. Tatau is a traditional Samoan tattoo, Samoan tattoo meaning associated with rank, status, and cultural pride. Samoan designs represent community, power, respect, and honor. Malu is the word used for female Samoan tattoos. The female tattoo in the Samoan culture means to protect or shelter.
Samoan tattooing originates from a folklore tale. The story is about twin sisters who brought tattooing knowledge from Fiji to Samoa. Tattooing does not allow through Catholic missionaries but persisted. It is contributing to its preservation. It originates from Fiji. Tatau became a cultural tradition in Samoa, passed down through generations.
Unique Symbols
Traditional Samoan tattoos cover a large part of the body and have a unique meaning. The green sea turtle from Hawaii is known as Honu. Honu tattoo symbolizes longevity, wellness, fertility, and peace. Shark Samoan tattoo means strength, power, protection, and courage. They consider as guardians of the sea. The Spearheads or Fue tattoo represents strength, warrior spirit, and protection. Fue tattoo is associated with a warrior’s status and bravery.
Geometric Patterns body art in Samoan culture represents balance, harmony, and interconnectedness. Sun Samoan tattoo represents life, light, vitality, leadership and guidance. Tapa Designs associates with family, community, and cultural identity. The Centipede tattoo represents protection, agility, and adaptability.
Black parts in tattoos represent union with divine ancestors. It links with the underworld, often denoting warriors’ ferocity in Marquesan tattooing.
The Vai o Kena symbol represents status and authority for chiefs and the highest ranks. Fish hook tattoos symbolize prosperity and abundance. It relates with the rich resources of the Polynesian Ocean. Shark teeth tattoo symbols associate with power and dominance.
The bird Samoan tattoo represents a journey or a connection to the spiritual self. The coconut leaf tattoo represents Samoan cultural heritage and tradition. Tufuga tattooing represents skill and mastery.
Taniwha are shape-shifters associated with lizards or snake-like creatures. These include bird heads, big sharks, or whales. Taniwha tattooing represents powerful guardians, often associated with snake-like features and bird heads. Taniwha represents three or four fingers, representing power over air, water, and land.
Is it Okay to get a Samoan Tattoo?
It is okay to have a Samoan tattoo with meaning because it represents your personal story. It never associated with being disrespectful. That represents your respect for Samoan culture. Dwane Johnson’s ‘The Rock‘ got the Samoan tattoo to represent his heritage.
The traditional Samoan tattoo known as ‘au, consists of a bone comb attached to a turtle shell plate and a wooden handle. Contemporary Samoan tattoos maintain traditional elements. It is different from placement and design. The Samoan pe’a tattoo relates to intricate lines called ‘aso. It parallels the structural integrity of community houses, symbolizes tradition and support.
Contemporary Samoan tattoos maintain traditional elements but may differ in placement and design. Migration has led to debates about who receive traditional tattoos and how they should get it. Traditional tattooing methods persist through considerations for modern hygiene and aftercare.
Famous Samoan Tattoo Artist
Su’a Sulu’ape Paulo II is a famous Samoan tattoo artist who started tattooing in 1967. He moved to Auckland, New Zealand, in 1973. His work is noticeable in the book “Tatau: Samoan Tattoo, New Zealand Art, Global Culture.” Read about Biomechanical Tattoo Meaning now.
