In various countries, body art and tribal tattoos have a different meaning, and in the current society, tattoos are performed on a daily basis. In Samoa which is a small tribal country, tattoos are considered sacred and they symbolic. In every tattoo, there is a history behind and it takes honors to receive a Samoan tattoo. [1]The Samoan art is not only beautiful but is also considered a sign of honor, loyalty, respect and even growth and accomplishment within an individual. The ink used during the tattooing rituals is usually made from candlenut or lama nut. Further, Samoan tattoo artists are referred to as Tafuga, and they are responsible for all tattooing sessions within the community. Individuals who are not in a position to complete the tattooing sessions due to pain or maybe inability to pay the tattoo artists are referred as Pe'a Mutu and they are always viewed as symbols of shame.
Although tattoos are considered as essential in the Samoan community, there are questions on whom should be tattooed using the Samoan ink. Most Samoans believe that it is the responsibility of parents to begin preparing the tattoo ink once a child is born and such tattoos should only be done on Samoans. The western world has immensely impacted the tattoo culture in Samoa since the arrival of missionaries in the region in 1830.[2]
For instance, the availability of Samoan contemporary tattoo studios is clear evidence of globalization impacts. Although the Samoan culture is slowly changing, many are trying hard to preserve their traditional and cultural elements of tattooing. Contemporary tattooing will continue to exist, and globalization will continue to impact traditional art. However, I believe Samoans will maintain their tattoo culture.
Bibliography
DeMello, Margo. "Tattoos." The International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality (2015): 1355-1404.
Phad, Laxman Gangadhar, Nilesh Keshav Tumram, and S. G. Dhawane. "An unusual pattern of tattooing in the form of body designing: A case report." Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences 6, no. 4 (2016): 481-483.
[1]
DeMello, Margo. "Tattoos." The International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality (2015): 1355-1404.
[2]
Phad, Laxman Gangadhar, Nilesh Keshav Tumram, and S. G. Dhawane. "An unusual pattern of tattooing in the form of body designing: A case report." Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences 6, no. 4 (2016): 481-483.
