A guide to understanding the visual language of Samoan tattoos.
The article is written in a style that reflects the personality of its author, Jieyi. The writing style is characterized by a conversational tone, frequent use of contractions, informal expressions, and colloquial vocabulary. This creates an engaging and accessible reading experience.
The cultural role of Samoan tattoos
For many people, tattoos are just decorative body art — a way to show off one’s personal style. But for Polynesians, especially Samoans, tattoos have much more meaning. Every symbol used in Samoan tattooing carries a specific meaning, often rooted in the person’s heritage and identity. A tattoo can be thought of as a form of visual language, communicating a message about who you are and where you come from.
Samoan tattoos are also gender-specific. Men get what’s called a “Tatau,” while women get what’s called a “Malu.” Tattoos are done using hand-carved tools made from bone or shell, and the process takes weeks or months to complete. While there are some similarities between men’s and women’s tattoos, they are quite different in terms of patterns and meanings. In fact, each individual pattern on a Malu has its own unique meaning, which is explained by those who practice the art today.
Clean designCommon symbols and what they represent
One of the most sacred symbols in Samoan tattooing is the niho mano, which means “shark tooth.” This motif is composed of interlocking triangles that resemble shark teeth. Sharks are described as being very sacred to Polynesian people, and so this symbol represents protection, strength, guidance, and adaptability. It’s also believed to bring good luck to those who wear it.
There are many named infill patterns used in Polynesian tattoos, each carrying its own distinct meaning. One such pattern is the pakati, which resembles a dog skin cloak. Pakati is associated with warriors, battles, courage, and strength. Another popular design is the hikuaua, which looks like the tail of a mackerel. This symbol represents prosperity, and is also associated with the Taranaki region of New Zealand. Double or triple twist designs represent joining two people or cultures together for eternity, while also signifying friendship and loyalty through life’s ups and downs.
Clean designAcross various Polynesian traditions, including Samoan tattooing, there are several common symbols associated with peace and harmony. These include palm trees and palm leaves, kava, the Marquesan cross, Lōkahi (the concept of unity), kuhanu (which is similar to the Marquesan cross), and the sun.
How Samoan tattooing compares with related traditions
While there are certainly similarities between Hawaiian and Samoan tattooing, these traditions differ in important ways. Hawaiian tattoos tend to be more intricate and detailed than their Samoan counterparts, and they often incorporate elements of nature, such as flowers and animals. Meanwhile, Samoan tattoos typically feature bold geometric shapes and strong lines. Tongan and Marquesan tattooing also have their own distinctive styles, though they share some similarities with both Hawaiian and Samoan traditions. Despite these differences, all four of these traditions are considered to be part of a larger Polynesian heritage.