Tattooing in Samoa is one of the world’s most beloved body art traditions. It serves as a source of pride and honor for Samoans.
Tatau is the Samoan word for a tattoo, meaning “skin marking.” It is an art form in which artists cover entire areas of the body with intricate geometric designs.
1. The Rock
Dwayne Johnson is a professional wrestler-turned-actor. He made his film debut as the Scorpion King in 2001’s The Mummy Returns. Since then he has been featured in films like Tooth Fairy and Fast and Furious franchise films. He also appeared in Jumanji: The Next Level.
He is a successful businessman who owns 30% of Teremana Tequila. He has endorsement deals with Under Armour, Apple, and Ford. Additionally, he owns Seven Bucks Productions. He also owns Seven Bucks Productions with his ex-wife Dany Garcia.
The Rock is proud of his Samoan heritage, depicted in his excellent chest tattoo. This intricate design took 60 hours to complete. It tells the tale of his life, ancestors, and family. Additionally, it includes coconut leaves. Coconut leaves symbolize a chief Samoan warrior.
2. Samoa & Ireland
Dewayne Johnson, better known to wrestling fans as The Rock, is a Samoan wrestler. He features an exquisite Samoan tattoo sleeve on his upper left arm extending toward his elbow. It combines traditional Samoan patterns with Celtic elements.
Tattoos remain an iconic part of Samoan culture even in modern times. They symbolize family pride and the individual’s connection to their heritage.
Non-Samoan individuals may find inspiration from Samoan designs by studying Polynesian flowers. Examples include waves, birds, and shells.
However, if you’re not Samoan and don’t have any connections to Samoan culture. I would strongly advise against getting a Samoan tattoo. This is because Tattoos in Samoa are earned through participation in their traditions. Not simply done!
3. Samoa & Oceania
Samoan Tattoos have been around for centuries. They offer a distinctive style of body art that can be very intricate and large in scope. They can often cover an entire sleeve or just one shoulder.
Many get this Tattoo as a unique representation of their culture and heritage. Tattoos can have significant meanings depending on the design and placement.
Tattoos have been integral to Samoan culture for so long that they persisted even when Christian missionaries tried to eradicate them. The Samoan Tattoos are still a part of Samoan culture today.
Traditional body art survived in an increasingly Christian country during the 1800s. This was due to various factors. Traditional body art survived in an increasingly Christian country during the 1800s. This was due to various factors.
4. Samoa & Polynesia
Tattooing has a long-standing tradition among Polynesians, particularly Samoans. These designs can be highly symbolic. They sometimes combine other symbols for added meaning.
Polynesian tattoos often feature ocean waves. The Samoans believe the ocean is where one goes after death. This tribal-inspired design features thick black lines to form the wave’s shape.
Another famous symbol is the turtle. This animal symbolizes fertility, longevity, family unity, and union.
Polynesian tattoos often feature the sun as a central symbol. It may stand alone or be combined with other designs, like ocean waves.
