The tattoos Samoans look directly at the origin of tattoos: even the word itself seems to come from the Samoan 'tatau', with what the history of these tattoos is sure to be exciting and very interesting.
If you want to know more about the history and traditions of the tattoos Samoans, we have prepared this article to satisfy your curiosity, so read on!
The legend of Samoan tattoos
Legend has it that two twin sisters, Tilafaiga and Taema, were swimming from Fiti to Samoa with a basket full of materials for tattooing and singing a song in which they claimed that only women could get tattoos. But on the way, they saw a clam and they dived to search for it, and when they emerged from the water the song had changed: now only men could get tattoos.
Etymology of 'tatau', the original form of the word 'tattoo'
The Samoan word 'tatau' refers to many things, including the sound of tools hitting the skin (ta, ta ...), an onomatopoeic origin of the word that can also refer to the act of striking, balance or even respect. 'Tatau' is, then, a word with many meanings and very rich, in addition to being the "mother" of the word "tattoo".
How were Samoan tattoos made?
Samoan tattoos were done in a very painful way by a tattoo artist and his two assistants. These tightened the skin of the tattooed and cleaned the remains of blood and ink or helped the master tattoo artist in whatever he needed.
In Samoan culture, tattoos are considered a rite of passage (as in many other cultures), making it a very special event. and highly ritualized in which the family also took part, who encouraged or sang at a safe distance.
The history of Samoan tattoos is very interesting, right? Tell us, do you have a tattoo like this? Would you like to wear one? Remember that you can tell us what you want, doing it is very easy since you only have to leave us a comment!