Samoan Culture

By : Priscilla Martinez
 Samoan Tattoos

• The chief has his lower body tattooed to show he has power in his village or
among his family
• Women have similar tattoos but they are from waist down and it represents that
their a chief just like men.
• Tattooing began 2,000 years ago and as diverse as the people who wear them.
• When western missionaries came into Samoa they had declined the unique
tattooing that had been around for many years.
• “tattoo” is not the right spelling , it was first spelled as “ tatua” the people who
had came to Samoa misspelled the original way but it is now how most people
spell tatua
• There is a special tattooing comb which is called “ au”
 Samoan Dance
The Samoan dance is possibly the least Samoan culture has been
least affected by western civilization. On island you it is unlikely to
find dancers performing in grass skirts. They will usually be wearing
“lavalava”. There are different types of dance sitting or standing up.

The best time to see Samoan dancing is at a “fiafia”, that is a

Samoan meal accompanied by various performers. Hotels have the
best performers performing the fiafia dance. If you go to a fiafia and
do not want to participate do not sit in the front seats. The
audience in the front seat are required to do the dance as the
performers. There is a man who is a performer named Richard, he
tries to embarrass at least one tourist during a performance.
 Samoan food
In Samoa culture food is a social event that bring family and
friends together. They share what nature has provided them.
Samoan foods are very natural. Food is brought in from the sea
to be prepared for the evening. This job is done by the men. The
men catch fish while other men collect fruits and vegetables to
be added to the meal that is to be served in the evening. There is
a freshness in the food you can’t get at home. There are so
many choices of food it is hard to decide which one your going to
eat
 Samoan Ceremonies
Samoan weddings involves feasting, dancing, and much
merriment. Weddings are generally held in accordance to local
customs followed by a large reception for the bride and groom.
Conveyance of a chief title is another note worthy event in
Samoa. The chief-to-be family will prepare food , fine mats, and
money to the village for them granting their relative as the chief.