Samoan tattoos and their meanings

It is not the same to talk about Samoan tattoo than Polynesian tattoo, because Polynesian tattoos are a type of designs that include, among many others, tattoos from Samoa or the famous Maori tattoos. These tattoos, not only maintain their original designs but also continue to be performed (at least within the island) with traditional techniques. But,what is the history and origin of Samoan tattoos?

One of the most widespread legends is the story that tells that two women from the Fiji Islands arrived in this area of ​​Polynesia and introduced both the tools and techniques to make these designs. In fact, at the beginning these tattoos were only made by women but, little by little, the chiefs of the tribes offered to show off these drawings until a tradition became on the island.

As we have indicated, these designs are still made with the same techniques that were used centuries ago. In fact, some tattooists (also known in the Samoan dialect as Tufugas) use the extract of the shells of kukue nuts as ink, which when heated give off a soot that mixes with water and sugar to create a black pigment. As for the tools, the tufugas continue to use those that mark the tradition: wooden comb-shaped instruments that have sharp needles on the handle. In fact, there are 4 types of combs to perform the different forms of Samoan tattoos:

• Au fa'atala or au mono: it is used to make the points.
• Au sogi'aso tetele: thick lines are made with it.
• Au sogi'aso laitiiti: used for elaboration of the finest lines.
• Au fapulu: it is a comb with which the areas that appear completely black are filled.

As we indicated in the section where we explained the history of these Polynesian tattoos, the main styles of Maori and Samoan designs remain the same as those that were originally made. In fact, Polynesian (and more specifically Samoan) tattoos on the arm or in other parts of the body that we find in the West are still drawings inspired by the true designs of the Pacific Island. Next, we expose the main Samoan tattoos and their meanings.

Although Pe'a is currently performed for both genders, it was traditionally a Samoan tattoo only for men. Pe'a is a drawing that is identified by covering a large part of the body of the person who performs it, since it begins approximately in the navel and ends above the knees. This tattoo is composed of sophisticated geometric shapes that mainly represent both daily life and Samoan culture and tradition. In fact, Samoan tattoos are considered as a symbol of maturity, social prestige and value where each line and form narrate different aspects of life.

Pe'a done in a traditional way is a slow and very painful process that can take even months to complete. According to Samoan tradition, pain is an essential part of its elaboration and once started it must be completely finished, since an unfinished design will obtain a negative meaning and will mean the shame of the person half tattooed.

Malú is another traditional Polynesian and Samoan tattoo, much simpler than the previous one. In this case, the Samoan tattoo was performed by the women of the island and covered almost the entire body. This design is identified as a constellation of points. made especially on the thighs and knees of women.

This Samoan tattoo represented the stars and jellyfish that inhabit the seas but also symbolized the maximum protection towards the woman who wore it.

You may have ever seen the complex facial tattoo designs they made in Samoa and other areas of Polynesia. These designs divided the face into 8 sections and the drawings in each of them symbolized a different thing:

• The center of the forehead It represented the general grade of the person in question.
• The eyebrow area It meant, instead, the social position of the tattooed.
• The lower area of ​​the eyes and nose They referred to the rank that the tattooed had within his tribe.
• The temple area designated the marital status.
• Cheeks They showed the job of the tattooed person.
• Chin It meant prestige.
• The jawFinally, it indicated the state of birth.

As we have indicated, traditional Samoan tattoos are usually done both on this island and in other regions of Polynesia, so it is difficult to wear these designs if you are in any western area. Therefore, we leave you below some designs that are made in the West and that mix the geometric shapes of Samoan tattoos with some of the following drawings:

• Samoan tattoo with a sun: in the Polynesian regions, this star has always had great prominence, as it symbolizes light, wealth, strength and courage. Due to its shape, a sun with Samoan designs can adapt to any part of your body.
• Samoan design combined with Koru: If you are looking for Samoan tattoos on the bracelet, the Koru will be the most suitable for you. This drawing represents growth and inner harmony.
• The spear with Samoan shapes: Another typical drawing in Polynesian tattoos was the spear, as it is a symbol of courage that means the strength and wisdom of the warriors of these tribes.
• Flowers with Samoan tattoo: If you want a hip or shoulder blade tattoo, the flowers adapt very well to Samoa's designs. In addition, they are a symbol of beauty and also represent eternal life.
• Tribal tattoos: once again, within the tribal tattoos of Polynesia we find the Samoan tattoo, the Maori tattoo, etc. Perhaps this is the most popular type of design in the West, as well as being one of the first styles used in body art, they are some of the most significant. Tribal tattoos on the arm and tribal tattoos on the shoulder are, in fact, two of the most demanded designs by ink lovers. If you want to discover the meaning of tribal tattoos and some of the best designs that exist, don't miss this article.

If you want to read more articles similar to Samoan tattoos and their meanings, we recommend that you enter our category of Beauty and Personal Care.