Samoan Tattoos
For centuries, Samoan tribal tattoos have been used to communicate stories, honor families and preserve cultural heritage. From intricate motifs to powerful symbols, discover the unique meanings behind these traditional designs and how they can be adapted in modern body art.
Enata: Symbol of the Human Form
Enata is a symbol of the human form and a universal sign for humans and mankind. In Samoan culture, it can represent an individual’s identity, their relationships to other people or their place within the family. As well as being an important cultural design, this symbol offers many interpretations depending on its composition – it can be stylized in various shapes or combined with other symbols to tell deeper stories.
The most iconic feature of the enata symbol is its shape: the outground image is usually made up of two triangles facing towards each other, which represent a human figure. Between them, a straight line drawn down the middle and two smaller faces are meant to depict their relationship – spouses or siblings, for example. Different variations are used to show specific positions within a family: where one is an elder and another is a child etc. This special detail helps enata tattoos denote feelings of bonded togetherness deep into our souls.
The enata symbol is an essential element of many Samoan tattoo designs. It’s used in motifs that refer to the aiga family, love, strength, protection and respect. This marks this ancient artefact as being a meaningful representation of most aspects that shape our lives: from heritage, to connections with people and patriotism. Even though its origins are still unknown today, the enata has become not just an attribute for tattoos but also a part of Samoan culture itself.
The enata usually consists of a single figure or multiple figures facing various directions, often pointing towards each other, and linked by lines to indicate their bonds. Each orientation within the design carries its own meaning, as does the number of figures and where on the body it is tattooed. A family crest, for example, contains two enata figures facing opposite directions to represent man (Tu’i) and woman (Tina). Placed on the back of an individual’s neck it alludes to traditional lineage and the support of loved ones. Similarly it can be used in crests that refer to gods from Polynesian mythology, thereby representing courage and reverence.
Uatogi (Scales): Symbolizing Respect and Authority
Uatogi represents the value of utufa (respect) and is used to illustrate status or rank. It’s usually combined with other designs such as an Enata, which speaks directly to the relationship between rank and respect in traditional Samoan society. Often seen on chiefs or parliamentary members as a reminder of their importance, this symbol visually conveys authority and respect within the community.
Uatogi’s design is symbolic – even the amount of scales can have different meanings, with an odd number of scales illustrating warrior rank and even numbers illustrating chiefs. The placement and size of uatogi represent further iunfo about the individual it is tattooed on – such as region or tribe, age, gender, and even a specific occupation. Many believe that incorporating uatogi into their tattoos brings luck, courage, strength and protection from evil to their bearer.
Uatogi tattoos are hugely respected in Samoan culture and also elsewhere in the Pacific Islands. It represents authority, respect and a sense of ‘mana’ or power for its wearer. The Samoa tattoo is most commonly placed on the back or chest because it needs to always be displayed openly, showing your peers that you have been blessed with good spirits. Aside from its spiritual implications, Uatogi has social and cultural value as well. In ancient times, warriors applied these tattoos to their bodies before going into battle, believing it granted them strength and protection from harm. Today, there are still many people who express respect for their Samoan heritage by permanently wearing uatogi designs on their bodies.
Uatogi consists of diamonds, triangles, and other geometric shapes arranged in linear patterns to create a ‘scale’ effect. The intricate web created by these symbols has been said to reflect the beauty and complexity of our universe. For many people, uatogi is more than just a tattoo; it is a representation of who they are and where they come from. Whether proudly displaying it on their chests or quietly keeping it hidden beneath their clothing, Samoans and others with Polynesian backgrounds keep this unique symbol close at heart for its deep-rooted spiritual meaning.
Uatogi is a symbol that is often used to convey the importance of respect and authority. This respect is not just for themselves but also everyone around them, from family members to members of their community. For those with Samoan ancestry, uatogi can serve as an important reminder of the reverence they should have for their people and customs. Beyond this deep symbolism, it also serves as a beautiful decoration on the skin; its linear patterns provide an aesthetic that can never be replicated.
Malu: Symbol of Fertility and Birthrights
The Malu is a traditional Samoan tattoo that is often used to represent fertility and birthright. It stands for strength, beauty, and courage and has a strong association with familial love, as it’s closely linked to the bond between mothers and daughters. Typically, this tattoo features the enata in pairs – representing the mother’s protection over her daughter or daughters in life.
Seen as a symbol of protection and femininity, this unique and intricate Samoan tattoo design has become increasingly popular among Pacific Islanders and those with Polynesian heritage. It’s often seen as a symbol of solidarity among communities, which is why it tends to be featured on the bodies of many locals. Along with being highly symbolic, the malu is also an aesthetically pleasing piece of artwork that adds an artistic flair to any sleeve or leg piece. To represent loyalty and bond between families, there are also tattoo designs that feature multiple enata arranged in a symmetrical pattern – creating an inspiring and creative visual story.
The malu, also known as the ‘woman’s tattoo’, originated in Samoa in ancient times as a symbol of maturity, fertility and social status amongst women of the Polynesian islands. Along with being a representation of birthrights and tribal lineage, the malu in contemporary times is still seen as a symbol of protection and femininity; two important aspects at the center of traditional Samoan culture. With intricate patterns along curves spirals and fine lines that are said to represent strength; many locals find inspiration from this traditional artwork when designing their own samoa tattoos today.
The earliest examples of the Malu consist of seemingly random geometric patterning all across the thighs, stomach and arms. Later on, designs were implemented which include flowers, fish bones or patterns that represent the ocean. All of these elements combined create powerful imagery that many still admire today. Nowadays, some people opt for Samoan tattoo designs with a more modern take on this cultural standout – often combining tribal aesthetics with contemporary Western motifs such as skulls and lettering. Men and women of Polynesian heritage aren’t the only ones either; people from around the world are drawn to the beauty of these traditional tattoos in spite of its deep cultural roots.
Tautua (Sea Shell): Symbol of Leadership, Strength, and Pride
The Tautua is an important symbol in Samoan culture and it can represent many different things. As a tattoo, it usually symbolizes leadership, strength, and pride. The tautua appears are often depicted with an animal or bird like the alofa dove, which further engages its meaning of devotion, respect, and admiration for others. It also suggests that you aim to make your mark on the world – inspiring others through your actions.
Tautua tattoos are usually drawn in black and they generally cover a large area of skin. If desired, they can also incorporate bright colors to give them more distinction. This is an excellent option for people who want to express their pride in their Samoan heritage and culture. The tattoo also serves as a reminder to live life with grace, respect and compassion toward others.
The most common design of the Tautua tattoo is a shell pattern, which symbolizes strength and leadership. It is said that the Samoan Islands were formed from sea shells. Therefore, bearing this artistically drawn pattern symbolizes one’s pride in their cultural roots, as well as their strong connection with the ocean. Some tattoos also contain birds and turtles which represent life’s journey and transformation. These designs are used as reminders for Samoans to stay focused on reaching their goals and never lose sight of them.
Samoan tattoos are all hand-tapped and take approximately two weeks. The process begins with the artist tapping a mallet, which has been dipped in ink, against the skin. This can cause discomfort or minor pain but is an important step in creating beautiful, meaningful tattoos. After each session, participants will have to wait several days for the tattoo to heal before returning for more tapped designs. When complete, the Tautua design is thought to be aesthetically pleasing, especially when highlighted by black olive oil and blue ink. The reminder of living a life filled with leadership and strength will stay with you forever!
The Tautua design, known as a Sea Shell, is a symbol of strength, leadership, and pride. It’s found in Samoan’s core cultural values and represents one’s practical ability to achieve her/his goals. Similarly, the shell also serves as a reminder of a person’s trustworthiness because it can weather the harsh elements of life. In addition to being rich with history and tradition, modern Samoan tattoos are often decorated with bright colors or designs that help bring out their spiritual meaning. Many Samoans find that having a tattoo like this helps them feel connected to their identity and culture, regardless of where they live or work.
Nafanua: Symbol of Protection and Guidance
Nafanua is one of the main gods in Samoan culture and it’s also a traditional tattoo symbol that you may choose for its power and symbolic meaning. The Nafanua loves to protect, guide and bless those who abide by her rules, so by having this symbol as a tattoo, is believed to bring protection and guidance to the bearer. It can also represent respect for the high chief and his people, honor for ancestors and their accomplishments, as well as bravery in battle.
Nafanua tattoos often depict a woman with long hair, wearing a traditional tapa dress, and holding a war club or tiara. As the symbol of protection, the Nafanua tattoo should be inked in strong and bold lines and colors to reflect the power that is being revered by its bearer. The design can be small or large, depending on where it is placed — most people opt to have it located on their arms or shoulders as these areas act as protective shields during battles. There are also many variations of this design that include additional elements such as Southeast Asian cultural symbols like dragons or koi fish which adds more meaning and symbolism to the tattoo.
Nafanua tattoos are deeply meaningful in the Samoan culture, and they are seen as a symbol of protection and guidance. This tattoo is worn by warriors to not only commemorate their courage and strength but to protect them during battles. As a tattoo that honors deities, it also has spiritual significance and can be used to pray for guidance from the gods or even for health, wealth, and success. People who have nafanua tattoos typically get them as reminders of their courage and resilience as well as symbols of hope for peaceful reconciliation between people from different backgrounds.
Nafanua tattoos are generally large with intricate patterns and bold colors. Typically, the tattoo displays a central figure of the goddess Nafanua wearing a beautiful feathered cape and two flanked torches, followed by surrounding motifs featuring other gods of war, plants, birds, and fishes to represent peace. The amount of detail and color used for nafanua tattoos also symbolize the pain and burden warriors carry in order to attain glory as well as bring good luck. To this day, Nafanua tattoos are still worn proudly by many Samoans – as artistic expressions of their culture, dedication to justice, and protection of their people.