Samoan Tataū
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Tattooing in the Polynesian culture has been around for over 2,000 years. The Samoan culture has practice this legacy for both men and women throughout societies across the Pacific. Tatau means “correct or workmanlike.” Tattooing has always been looked at as a tradition and the tatau would represent an individual’s cultural identity. In the Samoan culture or also a sharpened bamboo or light wood connected to a tortoise shell with a wooden handle. A bone comb is also used to cover more area on the surface instead of using one sharp needle. The ink that they use is made from burnt candle nut shells. Although the tools and techniques have changed a little throughout time, tattooing has always been done by hand, punctures the design into the flesh. In the past, the Samoans have used tattooing to identify ranks and titles within the community. It started with chiefs, then down to their assistants, and then their families. Tattooing served as a way a male ascended their leadership and also was a sign that they had started puberty.
Tattooing for the men began as early as ages fourteen to eighteen and varied depending on when the individual was thought to have stopped growing. They determine the timing of the tattoo for males as they came close to the age of their final form to prevent stretching of the tatau design, which in return would prevent him to suffer beauty wise in adulthood. The tradition of tattooing is incredibly painful. Like much tattooing done by hand, the risk for infection and even death was a high concern for a Samoan Tatau. If a male were to abandon or dismiss the tradition of receiving a tattoo when it was time, he would be looked down upon and be considered the coward of the clan. He would have to life with the mark of shame for the rest of his life.
A Pe’a tattoo is a traditional form of tattooing done only on males. This art covered their mid-torso down to their knees. The ceremony for a Pe’a tattoo is done everyday and most often it takes about three months for the whole session to be done. Afterwards, a party is thrown to celebrate the end of the ordeal for the male but the healing process also takes another couple months up to a year to fully heal. During this time, friends and families support and assist the male with simple tasks.
Women also go through traditional tattooing but it is not as extreme as the males. Their tattoo patterns are usually much smaller and take less time all together with ceremony and healing time. Females are more likely to receive their tattoos on their thighs, legs, or hands. Tattoos on the hands were called Lima and in the Samoan culture, it was considered the highest of honors as they were allowed to serve Kava, which is a narcotic drink mostly offered during tattoo ceremonies.
Tattooing for the men began as early as ages fourteen to eighteen and varied depending on when the individual was thought to have stopped growing. They determine the timing of the tattoo for males as they came close to the age of their final form to prevent stretching of the tatau design, which in return would prevent him to suffer beauty wise in adulthood. The tradition of tattooing is incredibly painful. Like much tattooing done by hand, the risk for infection and even death was a high concern for a Samoan Tatau. If a male were to abandon or dismiss the tradition of receiving a tattoo when it was time, he would be looked down upon and be considered the coward of the clan. He would have to life with the mark of shame for the rest of his life.
A Pe’a tattoo is a traditional form of tattooing done only on males. This art covered their mid-torso down to their knees. The ceremony for a Pe’a tattoo is done everyday and most often it takes about three months for the whole session to be done. Afterwards, a party is thrown to celebrate the end of the ordeal for the male but the healing process also takes another couple months up to a year to fully heal. During this time, friends and families support and assist the male with simple tasks.
Women also go through traditional tattooing but it is not as extreme as the males. Their tattoo patterns are usually much smaller and take less time all together with ceremony and healing time. Females are more likely to receive their tattoos on their thighs, legs, or hands. Tattoos on the hands were called Lima and in the Samoan culture, it was considered the highest of honors as they were allowed to serve Kava, which is a narcotic drink mostly offered during tattoo ceremonies.