The Samoan Tattoo is a type of tattoo which generally covers a huge part of the body. It also features the different type of shells such as turtle shells and seashells. Turtle shells symbolize fertility, longevity, peace, and wellness. On the other hand, seashells represent protection, shield, and intimacy.
Samoan Tattoo Meaning and History
A Samoan Tattoo is also known as Pe’a. The word “tattoo” originally comes from the Polynesian word “tatua”. The master tattooist also knew as tufuga ta tatau will use handmade tools in creating the pe’a. According to Samoan culture, the tattoo should only be used for ritual and cultural purposes only. Consequently, the tattoo must have a strong significance to the person wearing the tattoo. The tufuga ta tatau does not work alone. He has one or two assistants who are responsible for wiping the blood. The person getting the tattoo will be encouraged by his family members. The tattoo can be completed less than a week but sometimes it might take years.
Samoan tattoo uses black ink and generally has an asymmetrical design. It will start at the back and will be completed on the belly button. This procedure is not only painful, but it is also expensive. The tattoo is not only for men but also for women. However, the designs of the women are much lighter compared to men.
Best Traditional Samoan Tattoos Designs and Symbols
The Samoan tattoo is becoming famous nowadays. Some people choose this type of tattoo because for them it symbolizes power. The traditional Samoan tattoos are now combined with modern designs which make it look like Gothic designs. Here, we have collected some of the best Samoan tattoos.
1. Arm Samoan Tattoo
This arm tattoo is a combination of thick black patches and Samoan design which makes it look truly awesome.
2. Inner Leg Samoan Tattoo
In this inner leg tattoo, the intricate design is being mixed with waves.
3. Edgy Samoan Tattoos
The Samoan tattoo represents power during the earlier times. In recent times, it signifies a badass status.
4. Leg Samoan Tattoo
This is a beautiful tattoo which combines various patterns.
5. Colorful Leg Tattoo
This semi patterned Samoan design is a bit colorful.
6. Malu Samoan Tattoo
The Samoan tattoo for women is also known as Malu. It is a mixture of geometrical patterns and symbols with special meanings.
7. Shoulder Samoan Tattoos
This Samoan design represents manhood and aggression.
8. Samoan Back Tattoo
The modern style of Samoan tattoos has an influence on Polynesian tattoos.
9. Samoan Leg Tattoo
Modern Samoan tattoos incorporate Polynesian symbols of their culture, sun, ray, shark teeth and others.
10. Samoan Arm Sleeve
This Samoan tattoo is composed of fine and complicated designs which resulted in waves and arcs.
11. Samoan Colorful Tattoo
This full sleeve Samoan tattoo is comprised of some shades of red.
12. Samoan Neck Tattoo
The Samoan tattoo designs are mostly composed of straight and quadrangular styles.
13. Samoan Foot Tattoo
The Polynesian tattoo for females consists of lily flower, spearheads as well as Samoan Tatau.
14. Samoan Forearm Tattoo
Samoan tattoos are very flexible since you can choose any placements as well as variations.
15. Samoan Full Sleeve Tattoo
In Samoan culture, tattoos are usually related to social status.
16. Samoan Half Sleeve Tattoo
This biceps tattoo consists of clear distinct patterns.
17. Samoan Hand Tatoo
A simple yet elegant Samoan tattoo design.
18. Samoan Leg Tattoo
A Samoan design that includes circular spirals with small birds.
19. Samoan Polynesian Half Sleeve
Half sleeve Samoan tattoos have refined patterns.
20. Samoan Shoulder Tattoo
This shoulder Samoan tattoo design may take so much time due to its intricate designs.
21. Samoan Sleeve
Traditionally, the Tufuga or tattoo artist may require several significant tools when creating the Tatau.
22. Samoan Tattoos for Women
Samoan tattoos for women, also known as Malu, may cover the upper thighs up to the knees.
23. Samoan Tattoo Shoulder
This particular Samoan design looks like a human face with huge ears.
24. Samoan Tribal Tattoo
The geometrical patterns and symbols used in Samoan tattoos have special meanings to the Samoans.
25. The Rock’s Tattoo
This tattoo is comprised of Celtic patterns which symbolized power.
26. Traditional Samoan Tattoos
The process of acquiring Samoan tattoos is very painful and not everyone has the courage to do it.
During the early times, Samoans get tattoos in order to separate themselves from the other clans.
Are you interested in getting one of these Samoan tattoos? If you are then you must remember that this process can be quite painful and at the same time expensive. Sometimes, it even involves painting your whole body. Most people believe that having a tattoo is the best way of expressing yourself or giving tributes to your loved ones. If you don’t want to have a permanent tattoo then you can try temporary tattoos, piercings or a new haircut maybe. Either way, most tattoo shops, and artists do an amazing job recreating these beautiful pieces of art, almost identical to what traditional tribes are capable of. Are you interested in getting one? Let us know in the comments what type of Samoan Tattoo you’d like!
Hey readers! I’m Jeffrey and your tattoo artist of the day;) I have been drawing and painting my whole life, and after graduating high school I decided it was time for a bigger challenge and I started drawing on people. I’m so fortunate I got to express my creativity through my body art and even more so to share my passion with my now wife Emilie. She started working with me in my tattoo shop as a piercer and I started writing about and photographing, my creations on this blog. I love to hear from you and hope you enjoy our work together!