Samoan leg tattoo

There is still debate over the definitive origins of Polynesian culture and that transfers also, to the notion of tattooing.

Malu is a word in the Samoan language for a female-specific tattoo of cultural significance. The malu takes its name from a particular motif of the same name, usually tattooed in the popliteal fossa sometimes referred to as the kneepit, or poplit behind the knee. It is one of the key motifs not seen on men. According to Samoan scholar Albert Wendt and tattooist Su'a Suluape Paulo II, in tattooing, the term 'malu' refers to notions of sheltering and protection. These practices have undergone a resurgence since the late s. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, only the district Paramount Chief's daughter was eligible to wear the malu , which was applied to these young women in the years following puberty.

Samoan leg tattoo

Ironically, this much less common sight is among the oldest and most traditional forms of tattooing in the world. A huge part of this is finding the right tufuga. By some miracle, we found a renowned tufuga who lived in Auckland on a two-week break between tataus who agreed to do it. And he was amazing. So much experience; his work is gorgeous. Finding the right tufuga is also extremely important because he chooses what the tatau actually looks like. There are two people that just stretch the skin to the correct tension, shave, and wipe the blood. They had to do multiple cold showers and massage the tatau with soap to prevent infection. The process is slow, meticulous, and painful. The second morning, I woke with a degree fever, cold sweats, throwing up and my body shaking. I had made a critical mistake — not eating enough for my body to endure the physical trauma. These visible marks on my body remind me of the unseen marks of mental preparation, endurance, and control needed to complete the tatau. Explore More Videos.

Ankles and wrists represent a tie and bracelets placed there often symbolise commitment. In ancient Samoa, tattooing also played a hugely important role in both reglious rituals and warfare, samoan leg tattoo.

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Samoan traditional tattoo, or "tatau," is a form of body art that has been practiced in Samoa for thousands of years. The art of tatau is deeply rooted in Samoan culture and history, and is considered a rite of passage for many Samoans. Traditionally, tatau was only performed on men in Samoan culture. The process of receiving a tatau was seen as a rite of passage into manhood, and was often accompanied by traditional ceremonies and rituals. The designs of tatau for men are typically more elaborate and cover a larger portion of the body compared to those for women. The tattoo would start at the waist and continue down to the knees, covering the back and legs. The designs are inspired by natural elements, such as ocean waves, fish scales, and animals, and often incorporate symbols of strength and courage. The Samoan word for the traditional tattoo for men is "pe'a," and it holds a significant cultural and spiritual meaning for Samoan people. The pe'a is seen as a symbol of Samoan identity, and is deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. The process of receiving a pe'a for men is long and painful, and requires a significant amount of dedication and endurance.

Samoan leg tattoo

Samoan tattoos are not new. They have been around for more than 2, years and were and still are influenced by the rich culture of the Samoan people living in Polynesia. Since tattooing began, the Samoan tattoos were known as Tatau. They were symbols of Samoan pride, traditions, and culture.

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In Samoa, the tradition of applying the tattoo by hand has been unbroken for over years. Online Design Enquire About a Tattoo. But the images were limited to things such as a series of delicate flower-like patterns usually geometrical , on the hands and lower parts of the body. Explore More Videos. Mar 4, Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description is different from Wikidata Articles containing Samoan-language text. The first being the fact that turtles symbolise health, fertility, longevity in life, foundation, peace and rest. It is one of the key motifs not seen on men. This area goes from the thighs to the navel. Another classic symbol that is used to represent the warrior nature is the spear. Download as PDF Printable version. Ankles and wrists represent a tie and bracelets placed there often symbolise commitment. This part of the body relates to creativity, creation and making things. There are a few elements that are related to specific meanings based on where they are placed.

While not everyone does it, it is common at a certain age to get a Samoan leg tattoo. Being tattooed often symbolises a rite of passage as well as inner strength and resilience. Tatau are like treasure which empowers the wearer every day and indicates that respect has been earned.

Retrieved 28 September Women with the malu were expected to perform key ceremony tasks and represent their families and villages on ceremonial occasions. This area goes from the thighs to the navel. The revival of the art and practice of tattooing, particularly in Tonga, in recent years is predominantly referred to as a result of the work of scholars, researchers, visual artists and tattoo artists. In Samoa, the tradition of applying the tattoo by hand has been unbroken for over years. One meaning of the word tiki is figure, so tiki is the name given to human-like figures that usually represent semi-gods as opposed to atua, who usually appear to men under the shape of animals such as lizards. Traditional positioning should not keep you from placing your tattoos on any part of the body you may feel appropriate for you: we believe a design should be meaningful to his owner before anyone else. Moana ocean and mana spiritual force and energy are two terms that transcend all Polynesian cultures. Knees are often related to chiefs to kneel before them. Tongan warriors were tattooed form the waist to the knees with a series of geometrical patterns, mostly consisting of repeated triangle motifs, bands and also areas of solid black. By some miracle, we found a renowned tufuga who lived in Auckland on a two-week break between tataus who agreed to do it. I had made a critical mistake — not eating enough for my body to endure the physical trauma. Some may have noticed that this area is placed directly between Rangi and Papa, in order to have harmony between them balance must exist in this area. Tattoos and tattooing. Sharks are one of the favourite forms that aumakua choose to appear to man.