John b stair coined the phrase in his book old samoa one of the earliest accounts of samoan history written in 1843. Egyptian mummies, and still, no one really knows how far back this art goes to find the origin. Read up on pasifika tatau or tattooing in these picks from our specialist pasifika. Tattoos, or pea, demonstrate the strong ties many samoans feel for their culture. The origin of the samoan tatau is believed to have been introduced to the samoa islands by two fiji women, who came ashore with the tools and knowledge of tattooing. It seems like everybodys got an opinion about the samoan tattoo who. The sacred cultural practice of samoan ta tatau is celebrated in the much anticipated book by sean mallon and sebastian galliot.
A history of samoan tattooing by sean mallon and sebastien. Samoa is the fountain head and cradle of polynesia. Tracing the singular history of samoan tattooing practices during the last 3000 years, this book is the first comprehensive study that looks at. The origin of the samoan tatau is believed to have been introduced to the samoa islands by two fiji women, who came ashore with the tools. The pea is the popular name of the traditional male tatau tattoo of samoa, also known as the. The meaning of ta tau samoan tattoing male and female tattoos have different names in samoan. For more than just a tattoo call and book your appointment. Sean mallon at launch of tatau unity books wellington. An artistic sourcebook for interiors, origins, vibrant colours of the south pacific, and ingredients. The word for male tattoo is pea, which means flying fox and refers to the dark charcoal colour of the tattoo. Marks of polynesia explores the beauty of samoan tattoos as well. Sebastien galliot there is a strong tendency nowadays to display the american eagle in a tattoo design actually as the whole or part of the punialo. Ancient origins articles related to tatau in the sections of history, archaeology, human origins, unexplained, artifacts, ancient places and myths and legends.
The truth about the samoan tattoo tatau one samoana. It was in tonga and samoa that the polynesian tattoo developed into a highly refined art. The first europeans to reach samoaaboard three dutch vessels in 1722 reported that the locals who paddled out to them were dressed from waist to heel in. Decades of work has gone into the comprehensive exploration of the history and shifting social contexts of the malofie in this beautiful hard cover edition. Melville to figiel, a booklength manu script based on. The truth about the samoan tattoo tatau last updated 7 march, 2020 it seems like everybodys got an opinion about the samoan tattoo who should be getting them, how they should be given, how theyre meant to be worn or displayed, etc. Stories of tufuga ta tatau sit digital collections. A history of samoan tattooing written by vaughan yarwood the first europeans to reach samoaaboard three dutch vessels in 1722reported that the locals who paddled out to them were dressed from waist to heel in fringes and a sort of artistically made silk cloth.
Le afioga tui atua tupua tamasese former samoan head of state 2016 af101 nz visit duration. If you ever come across a book that details aspects of the faasamoa. It argues that samoan tatau has a long history of relevance both within and. Lavishly illustrated and beautifully produced, its no surprise this stunning book has been shortlisted for the illustrated nonfiction award in the 2019 ockham book awards. In both works, tattoo helps constitute samoan subjects, and in both works the.
I will start by writing on the orgins of the samoan tatau which has been passed down orally. 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. Tatau a history of samoan tattooing was born of two mens passion for the culture and history of the distinctive art form. A history of samoan tattooing is the first publication to examine 3000. The meaning of ta tau samoan tattoing the australian. In samoan mythology, the origin of the tatau in samoa is told in a myth about twin sisters. The tale proclaimed that the two sisters sang a song, which chanted that women are only to be tattooed, but as they neared the beach shores, the song mistakenly became reversed, indicating that only the men will be tattooed. A history of samoan tattooing new zealand geographic.
1235 1614 977 1218 1017 1623 1247 822 871 62 415 94 1335 671 712 1367 91 1299 1608 637 1392 1045 636 1186 1300 463 1329 1030 437 1269 902 154 204 473 1456 572 441 905 956