TATAU/TRIBAL DESIGNS

Tataus (tattoos) and tribal designs are the most recognizable Samoan designs. They are literally representations of our culture and tell the story of our people. In this section I will be talking about the importance of tatau and tribal designs and also explain what some of the icons mean.

Tatau

Fun fact, the word ‘tattoo’ comes from the Samoan word ‘tatau’, which means “to mark”. It’s said that the word originates from the sound of the tool tapping during the tattooing.

The tatau is so interesting because they symbolize the pride that the Samoan people have. Samoans are very prideful in their culture and the tatau is a way for people to wear their ‘heart on their sleeve’ so to say. Some tataus are more sacred than others and should not be taken lightly when thinking of getting one. These include the Pe’a (male tatau) and the Malu (female tatau). The tataus are also interesting because they’re done using the traditional tatau tools, even to this day.

Pe’a

The Pe’a is an important part of the Samoan culture. Those who get a Pe’a are typically of high status, more often matais (chiefs). When they wear an ‘ie lavalava, or ‘ie faitaga, their Pe’a can be easily seen. All Pe’as are typically of the same overall shape and are easily recognizable, but the individual design with the tribal patterns vary depending on the person receiving it, as well as the tatau artist giving them the tatau. They reflect back on the person and their village and their history.

The Pe’a, as seen from the backside of a man, goes from the mid-back down to the knees

The Malu, as seen on the back of a woman’s legs, goes from the tops of the thighs down to below the knees

Malu

The Malu, similar to the Pe’a, is an important part of Samoan culture. And like the Pe’a, they are typically reserved for those of high status, daughters of matais or the taupou typically. They also have similar distinctions, they all have a typical placement– on the thighs and down to the knees, and have similar overall shapes. However, like the Pe’a, the Malu have individual differences that depend on the person getting the tatau, but also the tatau artist.

These are the most important tataus because they hold so much responsibility. By getting one, you’re representing your family and your village. Both the Pe’a and the Malu show you are serving and protecting your family. So in any event of family gatherings, such as weddings and funerals (where the important traditional ceremonies take place), those with a Pe’a and Malu are usually expected to be there and help where necessary– because this is what they had signed up for. The tataus are not to be taken lightly because of that. There’s so many expectations behind them. But they’re also not to be taken lightly because of the pain and amount of blood loss that comes from getting the tatau. Again, some things people want to think about before considering getting one.

And a lot of people had thought hard about it. So, when Samoans had started to migrate to other places, the thought of wanting a tattoo that wasn’t a Pe’a or a Malu had started to rise. Which is how the taulima (armband tattoo) came to be, and I’m assuming the same for the tauvae (ankle band tattoo). People had wanted to show pride in their heritage and culture in other forms of tattoo, and thus the popularity of the taulima and tauvae came to be. And ultimately how the sleeves full of Polynesian/Samoan tribal came to be. One of the most popular ones being Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s own sleeve. Lots of people believe that once he showed up on television, displaying his tattoos, was when a boom of popularity came to the idea of sleeve tattoos.

Tribal Design

Of course, I can’t talk about the tataus/tattoos without mentioning the tribal designs that make them up. These tribal designs are so ingrained into Samoan history and culture and are mixed and matched to create different stories. They show up on our bodies, on our clothings, both traditional and modern, on our handbags, literally anywhere. The Samoan tribal are a part of us and it makes sense for it to be represented in everything that deeply affects us. The tribal are a reflection of the culture around us– so motifs of nature are reflected a lot in our designs. We also use a lot of geometrical designs as well in our tribal designs. Do note though, that a lot of the tribal designs can simply just be for decoration and about being prideful in the culture and heritage.

For this section, I’ll write out a ‘glossary’ of what some of the Samoan tribal designs can look like and what they mean.

FA’AGOGO (Frigate Bird)

• symbol of navigation and guidance

• the gogo is known to always return home to land

FA’A’ATUALOA (Centipede/Millipede)

• symbol of strength because it’s poisonous and will hurt you

• known to care for its extended family

• about commitment to family

‘ANUFE (Caterpillar)

• refers to patience

• also a symbol of a new life, or new beginnings

FA’AVAE’ALI (Feet of the wooden ‘ali head rest)

• legs of the headrest support the head

• relates to supporting the head of your aiga (family) or village

• relates to the structure in Samoan society and our roles within that

FA’A’ALU’ALU (Jellyfish)

• symbol of femininity and feminine strength

• relates to how jellyfish is soft but also poisonous

• symbol of underlying strength

MALU (Female symbol)

• what the whole tatau is named after

• means to protect or shelter

• has connotations of protection, for both the person and the female role within the family to protect or shelter the aiga, but also the gafa and the knowledge and what’s passed on to the next generation

‘AVEAU (Starfish)

• represents guidance and intelligence

• can also represent infinite love, this is reflected in how Samoan culture shows giving love and respect for those around us

MULI’ALI’AO (Pointed end of shellfish)

• similar to the ‘aveau

• also represent renewal, as the starfish can regenerate their limbs

UPENGA (Net)

• symbol for prosperity

• also symbolizes cooperation, community, and tradition

TALALAUPAONGO (Thorned edge of pandanus leaf)

• an important icon, as the pandanus is an important fruit in Samoa

• symbolizes tradition, ancestors, union with nature, and prosperity

FETU (Star)

• symbolizes wisdom

‘ASO (Rafters)

• lines that support the structure of Samoan tataus, like how rafters do for houses

• represent tradition and support, relating to the family and its origins

PLANTS (Coconut palms, leaves etc.)

• peace, good vibrations

• also related to prosperity, community, origins, and descent

MANU (Two Birds)

• often get mistaken for flowers, but are actually a combination of cross-flying birds

• represent the union of two families and the success that comes from uniting

PO (Darkness)

• symbolizes the importance of balance that is taught in various Polynesian countries

PU (Seashell)

• symbol of prosperity and abundance

• in Samoan tatau, they testify the status and social position of the person getting the tatau (especially matais with the Pe’a)

KALO (Taro)

• symbolizes the close/immediate family

• can also symbolize the ancestors and extended families embracing the close/immediate family and supporting them

I’A (Fish)

• symbolize abundance and prosperity, as the fish have been an important resource to the Samoan people

NIFO MALIE (Shark Teeth)

• since sharks are known to be powerful creatures of the sea, in tataus they symbolize strength, protection, and guidance

FA’AULUTAO (Spearhead)

• represents a warrior, but also a fisherman

• can symbolize one’s fighting spirit

VAI (Water)

• can represent change, and also continuity through that change

• can also refer to the importance of the ocean is to the Samoans

MATAU (Hook/Fish Hook)

• represents prosperity and abundance, but also union and reconciliation

Pe’a (flying fox)/pula laiti; refers to the families being sheltered by the 3 main parts of every village: matais, tama’ita’i, and the aumaga

‘aso; the lines that support the structure of the tatau, similar to how rafters support the structure of the house

‘aso e tasi

‘aso laiti; refers to person’s mother’s family tafani tapulu; dedicated to the person’s father’s side saemutu; represent adventure and accomplishment va’a (canoe/boat); represents the aiga (family). also serves as a reminder to the person that they are protecting and representing them pula tele; represent the father and mother’s side of the family. symbolize the extended family caring and supporting the immediate family pu (seashells); represent the ranking of the person

*note: each Pe’a is different, so this isn’t exact replication. However, the parts labeled are actually part of the structure of the tatau

*MALU MOTIFS

fa’alanuma’aveave; back, outer, and inner thigh parts. back section represents tasks and obligations in the home. the outer thigh refers to her obligations in her community. the inner thigh refer to her duties to the women fusi; ‘belt’ or band around the top (can also be bottom) of thighs

**fa’avae’ali; support the structure of Samoan society

**malu; symbolizes to protect or shelter

**fa’a’alu’alu; femininity and feminine strength tali malu; used as decoration, but also represents ranking. wider the area, higher the rank

*note: each Malu is different, so this isn’t exactly like other Malus. But, the overall structure is similar among the tatau.

**note: these symbols were explained earlier in this section

So, this whole section was just me talking about how these items are designed and how they’re put together/look like. Why did I do that you might ask? Well, because the designs and how they look and put together are important. Why? Because they all have a common theme, they all reflect directly back on to the islands of Samoa. Everything that I mentioned was made using the plants and natural things found around Samoa. From the fruits/foods to the plants and animals, they all take part in being displayed in Samoan designs.

Which is why this is so important to understand. Culture and design rely on each other. Design uses culture to create a connection between the people and the designs. And in that same manner, cultures use designs to create connections with people who may not have experienced first hand being part of that culture. Design allows for us to find a community where we may not always see it. And even though social media can play a big part in how we interact with culture, designs can play a huge part in how we insert ourselves with our culture.

There are a lot of Samoans who grew up and live outside of Samoa, some even away from a community of Samoans. Design is one way we are able to connect with one another and feel like we’re a part of something. Through the clothes, both traditional and modern attire, to the tataus/tattoos, both the traditional (Malu and Pe’a) and more modern ones like the sleeves, people are able to feel connected and be prideful in their heritage. Sometimes, people feel as if they can’t be prideful in their culture because they’re not as connected to it as others are and feel excluded. But with designs, people are able to be part of it and take pride in their heritage. Learning about cultures and traditions can be hard, especially if you’re isolated from it, but with designs you’re able to get a basic understanding through the iconography, art, and materials used.

Going back to the topic I briefly mentioned in the modern attire part, I want to talk about the importance of design for culture. For the most part, I explain how design is used in culture, (through clothing and accessories and icons that reflect our culture and ways of living/ being), but I also want to talk about how important it is to have these designs and be able to create new meanings as time moves on.

Again, these designs are important for the culture and for telling the stories of our past and where we’ve come from. But they also hold so much significance for those of us who didn’t grow up in Samoa or weren’t raised around Samoan culture. We are able to make connections through these designs.

And I was fortunate enough to live in a state that has a high population of Samoans. I was lucky enough to live in an area where a lot of my close relatives live and be able to interact with them and learn the Samoan ways from my parents/family. I was fortunate enough to live in a place that has a Samoan community. But not everyone can say the same. And that’s why these modern attires and these sleeve tattoos are so important to us. They’re symbolic in that we can outwardly display and proudly show off that we are Samoan.

And it’s such a beautiful thing to see how designs have grown and adapted as time moves on. It’s said that the sleeve tattoos that are very popular among Polynesian youth around the world, were created as a way to get a tatau without making commitments to the Pe’a or the Malu. People who began living outside of Samoa had wanted a way to display their heritage and be prideful in it, and design was a way to do it. Thus the influx of sleeve tattoos, but also the influx of Samoan art on clothes.

Which is why I wanted to write about this. Both design and culture have become large parts of how I identify myself, and I wanted to showcase that. I’ve also learned a lot about myself during my educational career which is also what I wanted to display. Throughout my educational journey, I’ve come to understand the broader aspect of what ‘design’ can entail. And looking back at my own culture and how design is so prominent in my culture and how design and culture can change and adapt over time. I’m now like “oh I can make things like that” and be able to share my culture with more people, which is all I ever wanted growing up.

Representation doesn’t have to be just seeing others who look like me. To me, representation is also having people outside of our culture understand the most basic levels of our culture/tradition and respecting them. People love our islands, but don’t love us enough to be respectful of our heritage and cultural traditions.

And again, I also want this piece of work to mean something out- side of myself. This piece is meant to also showcase to people like me that design is something worth pursuing or even just looking at deeper. That design is such a broad aspect and that it can look like 5,000 different things in our culture alone. I know there aren’t too many Samoan/Polynesian graphic designers out there in the world, but hopefully this can be a start to change, even if it’s just one more person aside from myself. Because representation matters in everything we do and everywhere we exist.

Citations

*Big shoutout to my family especially for answering my many, many questions. It probably made no sense when I was trying to word everything out and think about what I was trying to say, but thanks for being patient with me. And shouts to the internet for answering the other 5000 questions I had.

Clothes

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Alyssa Renee McCormack. “The History and Meaning of Samoan Tattoos.” Tatt Mag, November 16, 2021. https://tattmag.com/samoan-tattoo/.

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“Samoan Art in the Tatau (Tattoo).” National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior. Accessed February 2, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/samoan-art-in-the-tatau-tattoo.htm.

“Polynesian Tattoos: History, Facts, & Designs.” TheCollector, December 13, 2021. https://www.thecollector. com/polynesian-tattoos-history/.

“Polynesian Tattoo: History, Meanings and Traditional Designs.” Zealand Tattoo, July 31, 2020. https://www. zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/polynesian-tattoo-history-meanings-traditional-designs/.

Tataus Design

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Hadjiosif, Sofia. “Why Is Design so Important in Our Society? • Terra Movement: An Artivist Hub.” Terra Movement | An Artivist Hub, November 7, 2021. https://www.terramovement.com/why-is-design-importantin-our-society/.

Company, Hureo UX Research. “How Culture Influences Design?” Medium. Hureo Magazine, May 4, 2020. https://medium.com/hureo-magazine/how-culture-influences-design-e4b6930ddaa7.

“How Culture Influences Design.” Creative Word, May 24, 2017. https://creativeword.uk.com/blog/localization/culture-influences-design/.

Mankiran.kd@gmail.com. “Influence of Culture on Design .” Strate School of Design, May 18, 2022. https:// strate.in/influence-of-culture-on-design/.

Madray, Damian. “The Evolution of Design with Culture Thinking.” Medium. UX Collective, August 29, 2017. https://uxdesign.cc/exploring-how-to-design-meaningful-products-with-culture-31b1fe132bd3.