Samoan men sport tattoos to demonstrate their masculinity. Tattoos symbolize strength and war fervor while strengthening family ties. Men with tattoos called pea usually start from their torso and extend down to their knees. Female tattoos, or malu, typically cover the thighs and lower bodies.
Dewayne Johnson
Dwayne, The Rock Johnson, proudly displays his Samoan heritage through Tattoos that bear witness to it. As part of an interview with Playboy, he explained how important it was for him to uphold the legacy left by his grandpa, who also had tattoos by getting one or more himself – in line with keeping alive a piece of history from their family tree.
Samoan tattoos, known as pea or malu, have long been used to signify manhood and womanhood and are worn with pride by both sexes in Samoan society. Indeed, these tatau (tattoos) remained even after Samoans widely adopted Christianity due to the prestige associated with wearing such a symbol of pride – in many ways, an integral component of culture itself!
Samoan Tattoos tend to be geometric designs with multiple patterns and can be found anywhere on the body, though men often opt for sleeves or something smaller on their calf as an aesthetic statement.
Samoan Butterfly
This Samoan tattoo is one of the finest we have seen. It covers most of the upper arm and looks stunning, featuring traditional symbols to complete its beautiful aesthetic. Ocean culture plays a large part in Samoa as the ocean represents death, transitioning us all toward eternity.
Samoan culture holds excellent meaning for pea and malu, the Samoan warrior codes. These ceremonies represent their dedication to service and family, often lasting weeks or months in total discomfort and sacrifice; these acts demonstrate what kind of man stands behind a Samoan warrior’s armor.
Tradition requires those receiving status to choose one or more family members to assist with the experience, providing additional comfort during an excruciatingly painful and restricting process. Traditional tattooing techniques used bone needles inserted directly into a pig or turtle’s skin for inking; modern tools have kept this tradition alive today.
Samoan Face
French missionaries and Western visitors who first encountered Samoans noticed extensive tattooing, known as tatau, on men’s bodies – an icon of Samoan culture and a source of pride for those wearing it. The design stretches diagonally down from the upper shoulder toward the lower midsection.
Men typically received tattooing covering their lower bodies from waist to knees – this style of body art was known as pea. Women typically received more delicate and subtle designs called tatau that were covered from the upper thigh below the knee.
Tattoos featuring traditional Polynesian symbols often include stars, wavy lines, and shapes; others may feature sun images that symbolize brightness, grandeur, and power. Samoan Tattoos were traditionally made using black ink only. However, many people opt for colored ink designs, such as floral designs.
The Rock
Dwayne Douglas Johnson, commonly called The Rock, sports an intricate Samoan pea tattoo on his left shoulder and chest that depicts different symbols representing culture, family, and struggle – telling a narrative tale about their journey and culture.
His pea includes coconut leaves to represent him as a Samoan chief warrior, isa/ga fajitas (“three people in one,” symbolizing himself, his wife, and daughter), as well as two eyes (o mata e lua) symbolizing their ancestor watching over them.
These Tattoos are an elegant tribute to his heritage; each symbol represents something essential for him to in his journey. He revealed that getting this work done took 60 hours. He is very proud of his culture and believes it’s essential to always stay true to himself; hopefully, his journey can inspire others who feel discouraged or give up hope that there’s always hope and never give up fighting!
