Tatau Marks of Polynesia Su'a Sulu'ape Peter

Tatau: Marks of Polynesia explores the beauty of Samoan tattoos as well as the key role they play in the preservation and propagation of Samoan culture. Through photographs taken in the studio and on location in Samoa and elsewhere, Tatau showcases the work of traditional Samoan tattoo masters alongside that of younger practitioners working within and influenced by the tradition today. Through exhibitions like Tatau, JANM continues its work of promoting understanding of diverse cultures.
Tatau is curated by Takahiro “Ryudaibori” Kitamura, the master tattoo artist and author who previously curated the exhibition Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World, which originated at JANM in 2014 and is currently traveling. Kitamura is collaborating with John Agcaoili, photographer; Sulu‘ape Steve Looney and Danielle Steffany-Looney of Pacific Soul Tattoo in Hawai‘i; Sean Mallon, author and Senior Curator of Pacific Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; and Sulu‘ape Si‘i Liufau of A-Town Tattoo. Tatau will be accompanied by a full-color catalog.

[@tipahitilebi6737]

Suluape's family is the best of Samoan Tatau

[@jamesonmailo8223]

Congratulations!!! On behalf of Samoans every where, thank you! Thank you for keeping our culture and traditions alive! We wish you all the best in your endeavors! God bless!

[@idaplumridge6037]

God bless 🙏🙏🙏

[@williamross4440]

Could i ask please doe's your spirit speak to you while performing and please as for the chosen wearer spirit acknowledge by thier's?curious that's why.(i ask please)thank you Will Ross haha

[@1980leoso]

Living legend uce

[@jackalbark7593]

I studied language of the pacific and Tatau word found in fiji before samoa,,, in fiji Tatau is a shortform of i tataunaki which means reminder or something you left behind for rememberance and needs protection and it is used mostly during marriage a brides family presented a tataunaki to the husbands family to protect their lady since she will kept under thier protection,,, and still in fiji l Tatau is oftenly used to this date,,, mostly in grog session tatau is presented when some one is excused from the session, and history states that two worrior from fiji went to samoa on their return they presented their Tatau which the samoa used to this date,,, history stated that since these two fijian are worriors their bodies are embroited with black paintings so they presented the samoans that they could paint their bodies for their rememberance and it is their Tatau . Fijians word Tatau is a way of respect,,, it is must for every fijian to presented the TAtau before you excused yourself from anything you do,, it is a way of Respect,,,
Even the TANoa which is the big woodern bowl used to mix kava was brought to fiji by the TOngans ,, originally the Tanoa is a fijian word but it was originally designed by the Samoans,,, fijian thought its their art unfortunately it was samoan than brought to tonga than fiji,,, i was so damn respectful to the interlinks of the pacific history,,, im not from pAcific but i respect their history,,, peace

[@soteriaiskey]

Not sure where you learned Pacific studies.. But Fyi, EVERY Polynesian Nation, including Samoa, has its own record and recollection of History which has been taught and passed down from Hundreds (if not thousands) of Generations of Ancestors/Elders👍 Whether it's the origin of The Tatau, and/or Tanoa etc.. One should never make BROAD statements of origins whether word, tradition, art etc.. ESPECIALLY when referring to Polynesia unless you have Concrete/Historical Facts (Plural) to back it up👍 The Polynesian Language IS VERY SIMILAR in General AND Overall because quite simply, Polynesians ARE Cousins, FACT. So to be clear, Tatau "is" a Samoan word as well. Our definition of "Tatau" (Tattoing) stems from the technique used "to tap" (using traditional tools for our Native Tatau) in regards to our men's Malofies (Pe'a) and Malu (for women.) Tatau also means to wring, should/should have etc.. Depending on what sentence you want to formulate. Same goes for the word Tanoa. It too is a word in our Samoan language that has more than one meaning, which also describes our AVA bowl used specifically in our Honorary, Traditional Ceremonies. Our Tatau specifically originates from Fitiuta, Manu'a (Am. Samoa) as told in The Legend of the sisters Tilafaiga and Taēma. Many Samoans have confused it w/Fiji (lack of knowledge) when in fact it was Fitiuta, Manu'a. Stories of old, Samoan Proverbs, Songs and of late, documentations/documentaries have been told, recorded, and sung about for many of our very rich Samoan Traditions. I'm sure our Polynesian cousins can relate.. As for origins of any kind.. it ALL remains to be seen.. But soon enough I'm sure. Soifua.

[@sillau9]

​@@soteriaiskey well said..Tatau word origin is from Samoan language

[@johnnydon6738]

His brother did mine, when he was killed I never got around to get it finished...

[@sillau9]

Did you try to have another one of his families to finish the tatau

[@michaelcurry2000]

This is old malo

[@jwil551]

None of ur business man Pule a Sua I le malofie .,, none of anyone's business,,,,,a leiloa Ka se mea salapu laia

[@jaymyer312]

It's sacred! Keyword SACRED. All you tufuga's are giving away our history to none samoan like wtf? Wats so sacred about the pe'a if anyone can get it now? Se suluape, fai faalelei mai kou mea..

[@gasperloto4130]

Right. I'm studying to be Sulu'ape as well. If you're not Polynesian I'm not tattooing you. Tofā soifua.

[@DARK2196]

Jay Myer so true

[@sefoahsiu8524]

Gasper Bell good luck uce hopefully you do great

[@austinknowles7663]

Would u tattoo a Chamorro? There Micronesian

[@sefoahsiu8524]

Austin Knowles i dont see why not micronesia are cousins blood connected to polys.