The History of Samoa Tattoos

How Did Tattoos Start?

 The legacy of Polynesian tattoo began over

2000 years ago.
 The arrival of Western Missionaries in the 19 th
century forced this unique art form into
decline.
 The Samoa tattooing is a tradition a passed on
from son after son, meaning they honor their
grandparents.
What Tools Did They Use?

 Autapulu: Is a wide comb used to fill in the large dark

areas of the tattoo.
 Ausogi’aso tele: This is a comb used for making thick
lines
 Ausogi’aso laitili: This is a comb used for making thin
lines
 Amogo: this small comb is used for making small
marks
 Tuluma: The pit used for holding the tattooing combs.
Pictures of Tattooing Machines
How Did They Make The Ink &
Needles?
 The comb was made from a piece of turtle shell
which is tied at right angles with coconut husk
fibers.
How long did it take?
 It took about eight sessions and eight days to
do a whole body tattoo.
 They’re always being tattooed together, that’s
called good mana. A few would consider doing
it alone.
 Once they start tattooing them, they don’t stop
they do all day and all night
 Once they are done the oil them down and
bless them
All of the Design
I Togitogi :These are normally found in the
tattoos on women hands.
II. Aso (thin cross beam) This is normally used
when tattooing a man's back.
III. Fa'avaetuli (like the leg of a golden plover)
These are normally used in womens tattoos.
IV. Fa'aanufe (worm-like) Generally used in
womens tattoos
V. Fa'alaupaoga (like the leaves of a Pandanus
tree)
VI/VII. Aso Fa'avaetuli (like the leg of a golden
plover)
VIII/IX Atualoa Used when tattooing the front
of men legs.
X. Fa'amuli'ali'ao
XI. Fa'a'upega (net-like) Used in men around
the groin.
XII. Aso Fa'avaetuli (like the leg of a golden
plover)
XIII. Aveau (starfish) Used when tattooing
women.
What Designs Did Men Get?

 The men tattoos are called Pe’a

 The men tattoos start from the ribcage and end
at their ankles
 Most boys start the tattooing between the ages
14-18 when it is determined they have stopped
growing
Male Tattoos
What Designs Did Women Get?

 The women tattoos are called Malu

 They even got tattoos on their hands
What Do These Designs Symbolize?

 Samoans strongly believe that the tattooed

person are protected by some spiritual force.
 The protective symbolism of the tattooed skin
enfolds the individual from dangers of the spirit
world, which to this day surround the society.
 The tattoo is the sign of such maturity, where
the process and ritual involved mark the male
individual’s separation from the mother.