Talofa Lava, in this piece of writing I will be talking about the Malu and Pe’a, the two main tattoos in Samoa. I will be talking about this traditional piece of art, and more information that you probably didn’t know of!
The Malu
The Malu is a traditional and crucial tattoo that was exclusively worn by women only. This tattoo is mostly performed by men who carefully design the Malu to perfection. The grudging pain can feel like you’re being poked by hundreds of nails over, and over, and over again. This cool-looking design isn’t just a tattoo that can be worn without permission. It’s a respectful way of honouring your culture and ancestors once again for this way of tattooing. Malu meant to shelter and protect in Samoan dialogue, and if you add a macron over a and u, the meaning changes a bit and shifts over to tender, soft, and compassionate. In inclusive the Malu is only worn by women , performed by men, and this tattoo design is a way of honouring and respecting your identity, ancestor, and most importantly, your culture.
The Pe’a
The Pe’a is a cultural practice by many dialects of other countries that have many varieties of this tattoo, many of them which include Samoa. The Samoan Pe’a for men is called the Tatau. The Tatau, is a body tattoo that is from your waist to your knee. And this tattoo is a very sacred and important Tattoo exclusively made for men. This design is more carefully inspected and designed with a more careful tattooist master. In inclusive the Pe’a can also mean to honour your ancestors, identity and culture just like the Malu.
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have an amazing Samoan language week.
