Samoan tattoos play an important part in a Samoan's identity, status, respect, and pride. Should anyone receive the tatau? We discuss the traditional Samoan pe'a worn by men and the malu for women.
With non Samoan’s getting our tattoos, I feel like if you don’t have ANY cultural connection, it’s cultural appropriation. For example, if a non Samoan gets a sleeve tattoo with Samoan designs because the only thing about Samoans he knows is the “Rock”, and some WWE Wrestlers, I feel it’s cultural appropriation. Tribal sleeve tattoos are very trendy. However, I have two palagi twin cousins, blonde hair blue eyes. They were adopted into the aiga. Speak fluent Samoan, and can read and write in Samoan(which I can’t do). Now, if either of my cousins wanted to get a sleeve, I take no issue with it, because, although my cousins have no blood connection to Samoa, they have a cultural connection to Samoa.
Idc idgaf. I’m Samoan Hawaiian and black, born and raised in California so I’m American, not raised “fa’a samoa” way but I still want to close the gap between my culture and I. My grandmother came from Pago Pago in the 60’s at 14 years old.
The disrespect for our Samoa culture, The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs..
I don’t care if you can’t speak Samoan I don’t care if you have never put a foot on the islands of samoa…… to receive the pe’a or malu you need the blessing from your parents and aiga!, and strength from atua, that’s all you need!! To be Samoan is to put our Heavenly Father before all, to love and respect your parents and aiga to show upmost respect to your elders! And to love and share with your neighbour . If you have strayed away from the culture or have been adopted or not raised in the “fa’a Samoa” way and might not know the culture you don’t need to be WORRIED or feel ASHAMED if you have one drop of our blood then “YOU ARE SAMOAN”
I for one get ANNOYED whenever I meet, or see Sāmoan men with the pe’a just for clout. Especially when they even DON’T KNOW, & DO any Fa’asāmoa nor speak the native tongue at all. I be like. Do y’all even know how to fofo’e fā’i, & valu kalo❓
I am Chinese Samoan part Fijian. I live in UK. My Samoan Family are the Toelupes in Malie, Apia in Western Samoa. I wasn't taught how to speak in Samoan but paternally I am blood root am a Samoan. And to top it off the Toelupe family have Royal ties. Chief, so I am trying to learn the culture and Language as my father said. I got approval to get the Pe'a just waiting for my Sergeant Major to approve my leave.
I am a white, non-Samoan and very honoured to wear the traditional pe'a. I agree with those who suggest it would be disrespectful to get a Samoan tattoo without a true knowledge of, and connection with, the Samoan people and culture. I've observed that opinions about this tend to be very different outside of Samoa and believe that the best knowledge and guidance should come from respected cultural leaders in Samoa, especially the tufuga ta tatau (master tattooists).
Simply put, non Polynesian people are just trying to be Polynesian aka being us. I don’t care what is the reasoning. You straight up are just trying to be and act Polynesian when you’re NOT!
Hosea 4:6 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
