Post #242335 by MTKahuna on Tue, Jul 11, 2006 4:51 PM

Since you find it amusing to disrespect Polynesian Culture. Try some education!!!

What is a Samoan Tattoo?
In Samoa, a Samoan Tattoo is pronounced "Tatau" (Tahtau) and what it is in layman's terms is a tattoo that has been etched on to a human body in the traditional and ancient practice for as long as anyone can remember.

All the various patterns and motifs have great significance and these can be interpreted in detail by the Tafuga to the recipient. Family lineage can be identified from this beautiful and skillful art.

The tattoo starts from the lower back, reaches as high as the ribcage underneath of the armpits.

A samoan tattoo (or Tatau) covers the entire buttocks and sides of the torso and travels directly over the groin area. It patterns itself completely over both thighs until it reaches to the back of the knees and over the front of the knees.

The Tatau when seen in public is always in the same format design with the added motifs by the respective artists or "Tafuga" (Tah-foo-gha) that apply it on their subjects.

The Tatau (Samoan Tattoo) will cover approximately 65 % of the body when completed, in one colour and in one overall design.

In Samoa to have a Tatau is like a statement to family, friends and to the village and more importantly to the culture itself, it is worn with pride, honor and respect.

Even to the world outside of Samoa when viewed by onlookers they recognize that these individuals are proud ambassadors of their homeland and culture.

There is no documented date or written background of how and when the Samoan Tattoo, or Tatau, originated, because of the fact that back in Polynesia well even before the Europeans had arrived, every event was spoken by word of mouth.

There was no form of writing or transcribing, it was all by word of mouth until the missionaries arrived, the first being in the the early 1800's by various denominations,eg - Wesley/Togan missionaries, Tahiti missionaries, etc.

The Samoan Tattoo (or Samoan Tatau was probably the Samoans' first form of cultural art not only expressed in their fine mats but also on themselves.

As the missionaries arrived, so did the displeasure they had for the heathen practices, which they felt, were ungodly. One of these practices was the Tatau. To them it would have looked like the local witch doctors were trying to cast evil spirits from the locals in order to be accepted back into the village mainstream, with the end result an etched signature for their troubles
The missionaries went to great lengths to persuade the converted to cast away these ungodly practices of human mutilation but to no avail. The Tatau had gone, as one would put it "underground" only to resurface when the numbers of recipients were too much a force to be argued with.

The missionaries should have appreciated the beauty the Samoan culture had to offer in relation to what was being offered by themselves.

Even in the new millennium it is still a controversial subject with the churches in Samoa. I believe the two should exist in harmony as I know it does but there shouldn't be any discrimination against those individuals who follow their culture, let them freely do so, it is our birth right as a Samoans.

In the old days only the High chiefs and chiefs who were orators were allowed to have a Samoan Tattoo, or Tatau, along with their sons. These sons were the only males who were allowed to serve and witness meetings amongst the chiefs acting as guards and minders. No-one else was permitted near the chiefs while these men with the Tatau were present.

Today the tradition has somewhat been relaxed. Now any male Samoan can if they dare get a Samoan tattoo, or to that point anyone whom the Tafuga chooses or gives permission.

Regardless of race, colour or religion, if you are willing to have a Samoan tattoo and the Tafuga accepts and he is aware that you know what's involved there shouldn't be much of a problem, but only if he agrees.

Anyone who is serious about getting a Samoan tattoo must understand that this is for life and to back out half way through and not finish is not only an insult to himself and his family but to the Tafuga and his art and expression of that art of the Samoan culture.

When one is adamant that they are serious about getting a Tatau, then they must accept that they are not alone in their quest for their destiny. They have to appreciate that the Tatau will also be a servant for their family or a representative in the family, church or village meetings or gatherings. Its implications become more involved in all matters of cultural concern.

The individual must seek the blessing of their parents and immediate family; they must have their support 100%. This support is vitally crucial in order to comfort and motivate the individual to let them know their love and support will strengthen them through the ordeal and challenge they are about to endure.

At no time should the individual feel compelled to start the process without the permission of their parents, as the implications might cause great discomfort and heartache.

Many Samoan men want to get a Tatau to please their parents. But without their permission, have regretted it. In some cases the father has not got a Tatau and has found out later that their son has just started one, this will insult the father, the father will think his son has no respect for him and his blessing is meaningless. Consequently a proud intention has ended in a painful journey both emotionally and physically.

You must at all costs consult every member of your family for their support whether it is your father, mother, uncle, auntie, wife, older brother and sisters - they must be aware of where your heart is leading you even though they may not, or want to comprehend.

The greater the support, the easier the journey. It's no different to a family member being admitted to hospital for a complicated surgery, when all the family members are aware, they unite together to support and pray that all will go well.

So by all means continue to joke and doodle Polynesian Ancestry...