One thing Liufau learned was that many of the motifs that are used in Samoan tattooing reflect an animal from folklore and that the stories often served as parables. A tattoo tied to a story is ...

But they failed in Samoa, where men traditionally received markings called pe’a, and women got thigh tattoos called malu. Today tatau has made forays into other cultures while retaining its ...

Etched into her skin from the wrists up to her nail beds, the markings are no ordinary tattoos, but symbols of traditional “tatau” found among the people of the Polynesian island country Samoa.

In a village in Savai’i, Tiatia Fiamatai awaits the arrival of Samoan tattoo artist, Peni Soso. Tiatia’s body already displays the full traditional Samoan tattoo, which covers his skin from ...

“Tatau: Marks of Polynesia” at Bishop Museum features the art, history and cultural significance of Samoan tattoos through a series of photographs by John Agcaoili. Pictured is the tattoo ...

HONOLULU (Island News)-- A Samoan Army Captain is the first soldier to receive approval to have traditional “tatau” or tattoos on her hands. This move not only honors Captain Isis Sake’s ...

After being fired for breaking Hawaiian Airlines' tattoo policy, Tracy Sialega-Fili, a Samoan-American customer care representative, is advocating for increased cultural understanding and ...

One thing Liufau learned was that many of the motifs that are used in Samoan tattooing reflect an animal from folklore and that the stories often served as parables. A tattoo tied to a story is ...

Army Capt. Isis Sake is the first soldier to receive a religious accommodation for traditional Samoan hand tattoos. (Jon Simkins/Staff) Small arrows, birds and stars adorn the tops of the soldier ...