Samoan Tatau Tradition

The Samoan Tradition of Tatau Dates Back to 1000 AD

On August 15, 1787, British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in Samoa, where he encountered the traditional Samoan tattooing practice of tatau. Historian Sean Mallon notes that this practice has been an integral part of Samoan culture for centuries. Specifically, in the village of Sapapali'i, on the island of Savai'i, tattoos were applied using bone combs.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Samoan tradition of tatau is a primitive practice that has been passed down through generations without much change. The standard story goes that tatau is a sacred ritual where tattoos are applied using hand-held tools, but the details of the process and its history are not well understood. This lack of understanding has led to a simplistic view of the tradition, which neglects the complexity and richness of Samoan culture.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Mallon and Albert Wendt actively research and write about the history of tatau, revealing a complex and nuanced practice. On January 1, 1890, German colonial administrator Otto Ehrenreich published a detailed account of the tatau process, which involved the use of bone combs to apply tattoos. Historian Sean Mallon's book, "Tatau: A History of Samoan Tattooing", published in 2002, provides further insight into the tradition. The use of bone combs to apply tattoos was a painstaking process that could take years to complete. Mallon and Wendt actively challenge the common understanding of tatau, presenting a more detailed and accurate picture of the tradition. By examining primary documents, such as the journals of Captain James Cook and the accounts of early European colonizers, historians are able to reconstruct the history of tatau with greater accuracy. On June 1, 1900, the Samoan archipelago was divided between Germany and the United States, leading to significant changes in the practice of tatau. As historians continue to research and write about the history of tatau, a more complex and nuanced understanding of the tradition emerges.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Dr. Margaret Mead and institutions such as the Bishop Museum in Hawaii actively collected and documented Samoan artifacts and stories, but their focus on other aspects of Samoan culture led to the tatau tradition being overlooked. The decision by colonial administrators to suppress indigenous practices and impose Western customs also contributed to the lack of attention given to tatau. Specifically, the Samoan government's efforts to modernize and assimilate into Western society in the early 20th century meant that traditional practices like tatau were not prioritized or preserved. As a result, the stories and knowledge of tatau were not passed down through generations, and the tradition was all but forgotten. The fact that many of the traditional bone combs used for tatau were destroyed or lost during this period further exacerbated the problem, making it difficult for historians to reconstruct the history of this practice.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of the tatau tradition had concrete consequences for the Samoan people, particularly for those who had traditionally held the role of tufuga, or tattoo artist. Without the opportunity to practice and pass on their skills, many tufuga were forced to find new ways to make a living, leading to a loss of cultural knowledge and identity. Today, the influence of tatau can be seen in the work of modern Samoan artists, such as Linda Tuafale Tavita, who incorporates traditional tatau designs into her contemporary art pieces. For example, her recent exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery featured a series of paintings that directly referenced the traditional tatau patterns and motifs.

The Line That Says It All

The last recorded traditional tatau ceremony in Samoa took place in 1930, marking the end of a centuries-old practice that would never be fully revived.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the history of Samoan tattooing and the cultural practices of Pacific Island societies.