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The Peʻa is the popular name of the traditional male tatau of Samoa, also known as the malofie. It is a common mistake for people to refer to the pe'a as sogaimiti, because sogaimiti refers to the man with the pe'a and not the pe'a itself.
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.
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.
Apr 11, 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.
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. A set of tātatau tools and instruments made by the late Tufuga tātatau Su‘a Sulu‘ape Paulo II. Purchased from Su‘a Sulu‘ape Paulo II, 1991.
Tatau is the name given to a traditional tattoo for men. It is a dense pattern which completely covers the lower body from the waist to the knee. After having it done, a young man is not only accepted as a full member of the aumaga (untitled men), but is also allowed to serve the matai (chiefs).
Samoan traditional tattoo, or "tatau," is a form of body art that has been practiced in Samoa for thousands of years. The art of tatau is deeply rooted in Samoan culture and history, and is considered a rite of passage for many Samoans.
One story of how tatau came to Samoa. Taema and Tilafaiga were female siamese twins who were joined at the spine. When the twins were grown, they decided to travel away from Ta'u, the island of their birth. As they were swimming, the spar of a canoe struck them and severed the join between them.
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.
Apr 6, 2019 · The tale of Lundie and the chief hints at how Samoans kept their tattoo tradition, called tatau, alive despite outside pressures. As missionaries spread across the South Pacific during the 18th...
