The Samoan Tatau - Mr Tele'a Visit

In Extension we have been researching and learning about Symbolism. There are lots of ways to represent something that is special to you. One of the things that is common is a tattoo. People can get tattoos to represent something that is meaningful to them or sometimes just to look good.

One of the many tattoos that we have researched is the Samoan Tatau, also known as the Pe'a. A Pe'a is only ever seen on a man, where a Malu is seen on a woman. It starts from the waist and goes down to the knees. Our Extension group were very privileged because Mr Tele'a came in to show us his Pe'a so we could see what it looks like in real life. He gave us loads of information about himself getting the Pe'a and about the importance of the Pe'a.

We asked him lots of questions and we got lots of answers. When he got his Tatau, he got it done with his three brothers. In Samoan culture, it is important to have someone close to you, get the Pe'a at the same time so you are not alone, this person is called a So'a. Mr Tele'a got his tattoo done by Tuifa'asisina Su'a, a well-respected man in Samoa for his history of amazing tattoo art.

Before Mr Tele'a could get his tatau, he had to ask for permission from his parents. Mr Tele'a and Mrs Tele'a were pleased that their son wanted to get a tatau but reminded him that if he stopped before it was finished, it would bring lots of shame to their family but Mr Tele'a firmly agreed that he would last till the end.

Before Tuifa'asisina started the Pe'a on Mr Tele'a, he found out which village Mr Tele'a was from in Samoa and researched a bit about his family history. Not every Pe'a is the same, they all have different patterns on them representing the person wearing the Tatau. Although there are different parts, every Pe'a has a Va'a. The Va'a is the top of the Pe'a and it goes from one armpit all the way, around the back to the other armpit on the ribcage. It represents your aiga (In Samoan language, your family) and it is under the arm to show that the person who is wearing the tatau, has to look after and protect his family.

Another part in the Tatau which Mr Tele'a said is the most meaningful part is the belly button. He  said it is the most meaningful part because that was the final part in the process. It was a feeling of relief and happiness because after all the pain, it was finally finished.