Samoan tattooing, known as tatau, is a centuries-old cultural practice with deep significance. The question of whether a non-Samoan can receive a tatau involves cultural preservation, respect, and heritage. While there is no universal prohibition against an outsider receiving one, the decision requires substantial cultural consideration and responsibility.
Seeking a tatau is an interaction with a sacred tradition, not a simple commercial transaction. The process requires a deep commitment to understanding the history and meaning imbued in the geometric designs. For a non-Samoan, wearing these marks requires humility, extensive research, and the respectful engagement of a recognized master artist.
The History and Meaning of Samoan Tatau
The art of tatau is rooted in Samoan mythology, attributed to the twin goddesses Taema and Tilafaiga. Legend states these sisters swam from Fiji, bringing the tools and knowledge of tattooing to Samoa. Their original intent was to tattoo women, but the chant was accidentally reversed during their journey, shifting the focus to men.
Tattooing became a powerful rite of passage, transforming a boy into a man ready to serve his family and community. The male tattoo, the pe’a, is a dense design traditionally covering the body from the waist to the knees. Receiving the pe’a is a public demonstration of courage and readiness for adulthood, allowing the man to be accepted as a full member of the ‘aumaga (association of young men) and to serve the chiefs (matai).
The female equivalent is the malu, a more delicate pattern typically applied from the upper thigh to behind the knee. The term malu means “to be protected and sheltered,” reflecting the role of women in Samoan society. Both the pe’a and the malu serve as visual narratives of identity, heritage, and personal achievements, connecting the wearer to their genealogy.
The traditional designs are not merely decorative but are composed of specific motifs, such as the ali’ao (trochus shell) or the ulutao (spearhead), which tell a story about the individual and their lineage. When the tatau is completed, it symbolizes inner strength and respect within the family and community. Without the final design on the navel, known as the pute, a pe’a is considered unfinished, and the wearer carries shame for failing to complete the ceremony.
The Traditional Artistry and the Tufuga
The traditional Samoan tattoo is executed by a master craftsman known as the Tufuga ta tatau. This title signifies deep spiritual and artistic authority, with knowledge passed down orally through select generations. The Tufuga is responsible for upholding the integrity of the art form and is revered for their talent, often traced back to the original divine twin sisters.
The artistry relies on a distinctive set of tools called the ‘au ta, which are meticulously crafted by hand. Each ‘au is composed of a small bone or tusk comb with sharp teeth, a shell plate, and a wooden handle, traditionally bound with coconut fiber. These tools come in varying widths, including specialized combs like the au mono for filling large areas and the au sogi aso for fine lines.
The tattooing process involves the Tufuga dipping the ‘au comb into ink pigment and striking the handle with a small wooden rod, the sausau, to puncture the skin and embed the color. This method is intense and requires immense endurance from the recipient, contrasting with modern electric machines. Many contemporary Tufuga still use these traditional implements, often modifying materials like replacing turtle shell with plastic or bone with surgical steel, to meet modern hygiene standards while preserving the traditional form.
The entire process is a physical and spiritual ordeal, often taking many sessions over days or weeks to complete the full pe’a. The pain and endurance required are integral to the meaning of the tattoo, demonstrating the recipient’s commitment and character. The integrity of the Tufuga’s work and the recipient’s commitment make the traditional tatau a life-changing experience.
Protocol and Respect for Non-Samoans
For a non-Samoan seeking a tatau, the most important step is approaching the tradition with profound respect and humility. The decision must stem from a genuine desire to honor the culture, not merely an aesthetic attraction to the designs. The primary protocol is seeking out a recognized, authentic Tufuga ta tatau who practices the traditional art.
A reputable Tufuga acts as a cultural gatekeeper and assesses the sincerity of the request. The artist holds the right to refuse a client if the motivation is superficial or if the individual lacks a legitimate connection to the culture. In some cases, a deep personal connection to the Samoan community, such as marrying into a family or actively contributing to the fa’alavelave (family and village obligations), may be seen as earning the right to receive the mark.
Non-Samoans should understand that the traditional pe’a or malu are reserved for Samoans. However, a Tufuga may agree to apply a custom design composed of Samoan motifs that reflects the individual’s own life story and heritage, ensuring it does not mimic the sacred traditional full-body pieces. This requires the recipient to conduct deep research into the symbolism, as the artist crafts the pattern to be unique to the wearer.
During the tattooing session, a respectful demeanor is expected, recognizing the spiritual and physical nature of the ceremony. The traditional process is difficult, and enduring the pain demonstrates humility and respect for the art form and the artist. Ultimately, wearing a tatau comes with the lifelong responsibility of representing the culture with dignity, serving as a permanent reminder of the tradition one has been permitted to share.