Samoan culture places great value on chest tattoos as a symbol of honor. These large and decorative designs serve as decoration and bring pride to the bearers, representing their family and heritage. For warriors, tattoos on the chest can also showcase courage and strength, often featuring spearhead designs.
Traditional Tatau
Traditional Samoan tattoos, known as tau, are essential in Samoan culture. A typical tatau consists of dark charcoal-colored designs that cover most of the chest and torso area, symbolizing power and authority. These tattoos are often combined with other methods to create full sleeves. In reality, it signifies social acceptance rather than spiritual maturity. Previously, only elite females could receive malu rings, representing social rank or beauty, but this trend has evolved.
Pe’a
Samoan men traditionally undergo a pea tattooing process, which covers them from the waist to the knees with intricate lines and symbols representing various aspects of life. Each section of the pea holds a special meaning for the wearer. The tattoo is applied using tattoo combs, which are hit against mallets, and the process can take weeks or even months to complete. It is considered cowardly to deny oneself this privilege, and receiving a pea is a gift from one’s elders to mark the transition into adulthood in the village. Wearing the pea also signifies pride and gives the wearer access to specific tasks the village chief assigns.
Malu
Samoan women often wear malu tattoos, which consist of intricate lines covering their back to knees. These tattoos symbolize strength for the wearer. The symbols incorporated in a small tattoo represent the woman’s role within her family, clan, and community. Women with malu tattoos assume the role of protector and caretaker for their children and family while also carrying the responsibility of continuing their bloodlines for future generations. Tattooing is a ceremonial display of commitment to Samoan values such as modesty and dignity, but the process can be lengthy and tedious. However, not completing the tattoo can lead to severe infections like septicemia.
Enata
An intricate black band of interconnected circles with shark teeth, spearheads, and an data can be found tattooed on one half-sleeve from shoulder to elbow. This tattoo symbolizes strength, power, and courage. The data symbol, “human,” in Marquesan, is commonly found in Polynesian tattoos. It can be used individually or as part of larger patterns to symbolize humans, families, or ancestors watching over their descendants. Shark teeth are seen as protective and wise symbols, often representing wisdom. Other animals like stingrays and lizards are also commonly used in Polynesian tattoos, symbolizing protection, guidance, adaptability, and water.
Tiki
Samoan tattoos offer a meaningful connection to their culture. In contrast to tattoos that only tell part of a story, Samoan designs convey multiple interpretations depending on their placement on the body. Tiki tattoos are typically worn on the lower leg, shoulders, or chest, representing warriors and gods like Ku. These tattoos symbolize protection, fertility, and the unifying of Heaven and Earth. Tatau tattooing is a significant tradition in Samoan culture, representing rites of passage for both men and women while symbolizing strength and honor. Many migrants who have moved away from their homeland choose to get pea or malu tattoos to reconnect with their cultural roots. Some even opt for more modern designs featuring bold lines and vibrant colors.
