For Samoan designs, the patterns typically represent different animals or earth-related structures, which can be assigned different meaning, but ultimately, it's up to the one getting the tattoo ...

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 ...

The Samoan tattoo hut was just one of many activities at the Sagan Kotturan Chamoru, or Chamorro Cultural Center, in Tumon, which is one of the satellite sites for FestPac.

How the Samoan Tattoo Survived Colonialism. Several factors, from geography to group identity, helped this traditional body art endure—even as similar practices were lost in other cultures.

She recently got a tualima, a traditional Samoan tattoo on her hand, after her father became seriously ill. "I basically got it for cultural beliefs and traditions," Sialega-Fili said.

What Maui’s tattoos in ‘Moana’ say about Polynesia’s tattoo culture. Tattoos in places like Samoa, Tonga, and Hawai‘i can signify a sacred oath to protect and honor one’s community.

The traditional Samoan tattoo for men is called a pe'a. Done with handmade tools made of bone, turtle shell, and wood, these tattoos are extremely meaningful and often convey a man's identity, lineage ...

However, Sialega-Fili was terminated this month from the position after getting a tualima, a traditional Samoan tattoo, to honor her father, who has been seriously ill.

From Hawaii To Samoa: Tattoos That Go Beyond Skin Deep. Sabrina Talbert. Sun, June 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM UTC. 10 min read.

Soldier is first to get approval for traditional Samoan hand tattoos. Jonathan Lehrfeld, Jon Simkins. Mon, June 3, 2024 at 7:36 PM UTC. 5 min read.