Tattooing of Both Sexes in Samoa

TATTOOING OF BOTH SEXES IN SAMOA The art of tattooing is widespread throughout Polynesia, and in Samoa the art form has become and remained strong. In Samoa the process of tattooing is known as TATAU. “Tatau are the tattooed lines and motifs that appear on the body, and the tatau artist is known as the tufuga” (MALLON, 2002). The Samoan tattoo is also known as a traditional mark of adulthood for both men and women. “Samoans are the only group of Polynesians-and one of the only groups of the Pacific Islanders-who still practice the traditional art of tattooing” (Nicholas Thomas, Anne Cole, and Bonwen Douglas, 2005). Out of the two tattoos for the men and women, the most impressive one is for the men, and the proper term for it is TATAU. “Tatau has often been recognized as a necessary rite of passage for young men” (MALLON, 2002).After being tattooed, the young man is not only accepted as a full member of the aumaga (the association of young men), but is also allowed to serve the matai. “The tatau also symbolizes ideas connected with the wrapping, sealing and defense of the body, as well as with decorating it and making it beautiful. So it is seen as both a treasure and a stepping stone for young men to manhood, something that garners respect for the wearer by speaking of his inner strength and resilience” (Marquardt.C, 1984)These values generally remain central to the process and ritual of tatatau today. In some migrant Samoan communities overseas, tatau has also become and identity marker, a way of signifying the Samoan heritage and way of life (Kramer, 1995). Tatau is such a strong image of Samoan identity that it’s symbols and motifs appears on clothing and apparel, and have be re-presented by artists in the new media and art forms today. Mallon said that an account recorded I the 19th century, it is said that two sisters, Taema and Tilafaiga, who were Siamese twins, bought the first tattooing tools to Samoa. They acquired the tools and the instructions on