The tatau was originally brought over to Samoa from Fiti by two sisters Taema and Tilafaiga. This story is often heard in the Tatau Samoa Song . The two women who traveled from Fiti to Samoa singing to let the women have the tatau and the not the men. Upon reaching Falealupo they saw a large clam in the water and swam below to see it. By the time they reached the water's surface, their song had changed to let the men have the tatau and not the women.
awwww...awesome...was supposed to get one too by The Late Paulo Suluape when i was younger but he told my dad never to get my body marked..so he respected him and i never got it done..
I think tradition is everything and its beautiful that the whole family participated in the tatau ceremony is just amazing . Where i come from we don't do tattoos but we make small cuts our bodies to distinguish between clans in our tribe and also for respect of the elders. thanks for posting this i enjoyed a piece of your culture. and the song is soothing im sure thing sing it to calm who ever is getting the tatau.
its g00d t0 see y0u by-pass all the negatvity, i kn0w f0r SURE i'll be judged & talked ab0ut being half palagi. whadda shame t0 be judged aye? all'gudds, sh0ts* t0 y0u sugas!!
OMG heas mee thinkin ov getin wun myself bht den wen i dis clip..soo scary man..looks saw ass..lol..man dhat chik sooo brave man..she can handle dha pain..
In my opinion more samoans have come to water down the meaning of someone who has a TATAU.I run into so many samoans who have 1 & kno nothing of their gafa, which is sad & embarrasing.I myself am full samoan & grew up in the village Nofoali'i b4 com'n to the US..I speak & writ fluent samoan weahter its propr or slang. Yet I am so far down the line of even getn a title. EARN YOUR TITLE 1ST...Cuz ther is a certain RESPECT FACTOR, that comes with the territory in having the TATAU..SOIFUA!!!!
if i marry a samoan, i want one around my body and a Palauan one for my heritage too :). i appreciate everyone hea in this vid and the one who posted this. Talofa and Alii from PALAU :)!!!
kiwidiva is right, you better be careful with sterilization/hygiene issues. An old buddy of mine Pouvave Pou Jr. and his best friend got theirs at the same time but his friend died from blood poisoning from the implements.
Thank you so much for posting this. This is one song that I would never forget. My elementary teacher taught us the story "O Le Ta Tatau" and how to sing the song.
Dude, your sister is maddd brave! I swear, when we were there for holiday last year I couldn't even bring myself to do a normal one with a needle in apia. Ahaha. Mad props! :)
all 3 of us sisters got the malu - not just her! she just got the best video because i shot it! good idea to be wary of tatts in samoa. my cuz got the flesh eating bacteria (from a needle tatt) and i got a bad strep infection! you gotta be BRAVE and you gotta go thru the pain to get the mana! i got heaps of mana now!
@kiwidiva My father was born in western samoa and i wanna learn more about my culture so i wanna get one of those tattoo's.But first I need to learn my cultures language, oka that's gonna be nice to speak samoan.
I am Samoan too. But it seems as if I barely have any insight to my culture. Its really sad. I think its great that many of you are willing to embrace a little bit of it. :)
i wish i was in a position to get a pe'a myself, which is not the case since i'm not samoan. i do have other polynesian tattoos though which do not imply that same level of cultural and spiritual identification. I do love polynesian culture as a whole, and samoan in particular, but as said below, i guess before having a pe'a u really need to deeply absorb and live the samoan way
as a samoan i'm honored to know that you respect the culture.its all about your level of commitment.your best chance of getting one(as a non samoan) would be through service.immersion in the culture would be key.faith,family and culture are the central pillars(cornerstones) in which you need to familiarize yourself with.(advice)find a samoan family who are very intuned and active in samoan affairs and protocols,once found make a "formal" introduction and voice your request for service.
i would probably recommend leaving the "pe'a" request and plans part out of your formal introduction lol.and when i say formal i mean that it should be in the formal samoan way of course.the reason why i say,is because samoans are very very protective of their culture and the values and principals that go along with it.most if not all will not approve of your request so start of simple with a simple introduction.once thats done now comes the "hard stuff" lol
"you have to be present for all the affairs the samoan family takes part in"(only if permitted).small,big you name it."be there".im sure by now you catch my drift "grasshopper" lol.prove yourself and through time they will acknowledge you.may take a year it may take 20.loyalty through any service in our culture pays off.when the times right,only when its right (you'll know) make your request to the family.if they accept you as family your good to go my friend.just my humble oppinion.god speed.
Their is 2 story's of how Samoans learned the art of Tattooing one is we learned it in Fitiuta Manu'a Samoa and the other story is we learned it in Fiji............ All in all Samoa Mo Samoa
love this song".Samoa is a strong race we still keep our old ways never talk back to our perants and respect our elders. Getting a Pe'a is a honor to your family name and strenth and speak the old ways of Samoa. you don't have to be full Samoan to get one but you have to know the Fa'a Samoa ways of your family. We Samoa people are still here 100% strong.
my frend your words are strong. me i wish to get a samoan tattoo but not becuse thay look cool but becuse i feal like the samoan culture calles me. see im looking for my roots. im mexican american but the cultures i would call my ancesters are the native american and aztecan. and samoan. thanks frend.
johan345. Or watever , I suggest you dnt get a Pe'a. At all as you ain't HAMO !.. To get a incomplete Pe'a brings shame to you , your fam and village , ask your Samoan friends...
I suggest you get a tattoo. Of Crocodile Dundee , Wolf Harris or even a kangaroo. At your local tattoo shop and Not a Pe'a or kaulima....
Its not something you should be disrespecting.The tatau or malu is to be worn with PRIDE!! and those who wear it, wear it cause of their good service to their aiga and alalafaga (village).
They know where their place in the aiga is,and fulfill that role with absolute PRIDE and HONOUR.
as polynesians as a whole are going under the needle and expressing their definition of culture. To me...to have a pe'a, is of high recomendation and not to only be called upoon to receive one, but to except it and realized what you are getting into..with the influences of american culture, it is easy to say you have "earned" your tatau.......
and to those who don't know......the word "tattoo" is derived from the "SAMOAN" word,.....tatau....so get it right you damn ignorant idiots!!!!!!!!!
If you have no idea what the Samoan Culture is about or not Samoan. Please Don't disrespect it. It's a honor among men and women to receive the tatau or malu who fully understand the fa'asamoa way of the life.
everyone will be dealt with in the end. It's not something to play around with. We Samoans hold are culture very close to are hearts. To get a tatau or malu your are stating to the rest of the Samoan Community especially your family, that you have fully understood what part you play in the aiga. You fully understand the Fa'asamoa Way. and that you have knowing and willing will be of service to your Aiga.
getting a pe'a or a malu should meaning something to you. deeply mean something to you. the tatau or malu is not some tattoo you can just get to show off. you must fist fully understand what it means to have a tatau or malu. Yes indeed a alot of samoans now a days are getting a tatau or malu just for the hell of it. But think about it " e sau aso ma alu aso" days will come and days will go.
People aren't being ignorant, they're expressing views about THEIR cultural practices. Why should Samoans be honoured that he wants a pe'a!?! The honouring has to come FROM him by immersing himself in Samoan cutlure FIRST! The protocols are decided from WITHIN Samoan society not by well-meaning outsiders. We don't tell you how be an American, don't tell us how to be Samoan -- you just look... dare I say it... ignorant. Excuse my bluntness.
I agree with both sides of this spat. It seems anyone can get one these days. Samoans arent remembering what these mean and getting them for the sheer glory of saying "look at me". As for standard Americans are doing the same BUT only because its being allowed by the former for the same reason, to say "look at us". I have seen and met people who embraced the culture and called it their own, bloodline or not, and have worn their Pe'a with pride. Ive also seen Samoans disgrace it in everyday life.
Its not a matter of who is right and who is wrong here. In the end were all wrong for the sake of being right. I look at it more as who will represent their family with pride and honor and who will show the world that they know nothing about what they have on. For those who read this. I am 100% Samoan (no Pe'a for my own reasons) and believe in evolution of man and beliefs.
"Knowledge cures ignorance, If youre in the know, be fuckin contagious"
IF YOU WEAR THE sAMOAN TATAU OR THE MALU...YOU ARE REPRESENTING YOU FAMILY AND YOU COUNTRY!!
YOU MUST WEAR IT PROUDLY...AND MUST BE A TRUE SAMOAN...MEANING YOU DO NOT BE DISRESPECTFUL...WEAR IT PROUDLY...KNOW YOUR ROLE/POSITION...MANY MANY MORE!!
"love this song".Samoa is a strong race we still keep our old ways never talk back to our perants and respect our elders. Getting a Pe'a is a honor to your family name and strenth and speak the old ways of Samoa. you don't have to be full Samoan to get one but you have to know the Fa'a Samoa ways of your family. We Samoa people are still here 100% strong.
hey im irish but i respect the samoan way of life (loyalty, respect of famil and elders and a proud warrior spirit)so much so that i wish to learn all about it and one day get a Pe'a. i know that some samoans think it is a bad thing for a white man but i would not get it for the sake of looking cool, i would get it to honour a culture i respect. what are your thoughts on such a thing?
i respect that you want to get a pa'a and learn about samoan culture. i'm happy that you stand with us and want a warrior tatau but it's not a joke. there meaning of were you come from and who your famliy are and stand for and were you come from in honer of samoa culture. it's a blessing to get one see were you stand because it's not eazy to get one... good luck outhere
the fact that your willing and committed to getting a pe'a and is open to learning the "fa'asamoa"(the samoan way) is a very "good start" for you my irish friend.personally,i have no problems with that (your intentions seem noble).theres an old samoan proverb "o le ala i le pule o le tautua" .translation-"it is through service that you gain authority".with that said,as a suggestion i would recommend using that proverb as your foundation to acheiving your goal.
I`m hoping to get a Pe`a done in the end of this year or in the beginning or middle of next year.not a full size one though but from the hip and about 25-30cm down and around the right thigh.
I Have been pretty much obsessed about it sense I first saw one at age 10.
i consider it silly when someone of non-pacific island origin is sporting a polynesian tatatau or tatau! not only does it not look right, but i dont see how it is culturally significant for them?! johan340, why do you want a pe'a? to look cool?
I want one because I`m facinated about peàs and I have samoan friends,if I wanted to look "cool" I can just walk in to a tattoo shop around the corner here and get one by machine(would have saved me alot of money and time though)
Anilutu-I would if my comunity would accept it,so for now I can only get a smaller done but when I move away from here I will get it complet.
great. so you have samoan friends. thats really great. but still does not validate your owning a pe'a. you are NOT samoan. things of this nature require a tradition that is inherited by blood! im sorry johan but you do not pass.
sa'o lelei a oe. itz wrong for any dick and harry to get the sogaimiti or the malu. johan340 should know that the samoan tatau is NOT measured in centimeters. traditionaly you have to be a Matai or a loyal assisstant to the matai for the samoan tatau. nowadays itz just a fad.
Do u hav 2 b 100% 2 get a malu? bcuz im thinking of getting a malu when im older (20 yrs. old). Im go'n to go to my village(Pago-pago) up in samoa n ask my famalee to do it 4 me. But i dnt want to do it if u hav to b 100% samoan. I dnt want p-po getting FaLi'I @ me.
no, we are not 100%. people will judge you so you must be prepared for that. if you really want it - then you will be able to handle the negativity. even though i'm afatasi - i claim my malu as my birthright and went through the ordeal to show my pride in my heritage and in honor of my ancestors who also wore the tatau. nobody can take that away from me. if people get fa'ali'i - it's really their problem, not yours!
true you dont have to be 100% samoan, but its also wrong to be of no samoan descent. If you wear the malu, you have to support your family through fa'alavelaves as well as the matai of your village or family. If anyone gets fa'ali'i itz either their concern for the samoan tradition, or.......lyke many samoans, are just mean racists.
actually 100% not sure..but the thing is you have to understand the culture very well..you can't just get a malu because you want it or like it...before females weren't able to have it unless they are active in the culture and understand very well what and who we are...now a days some just give 'em malus just for the money and that's just plain stupid...malu represents the significance of our roles in our culture what would you say to people when they ask you about the malu?
So for a palagi, then, how much fa'asamoa is good enough? Say I lived there, say I know sasa and siva and learned dancing from my auntie taupo, and say I sing all the Samoan songs - it doesn't change that I'm a palagi.
Is it enough? I want a malu, but even I am not sure my love of Samoa, that it's home to me, that I miss Vailima and all my Samoan aiga there is enough.
What makes Samoan, you know? Skin or heritage or aiga or love or how much time you put your feet on the island or what?
their just scared of change... me personally think if you understand fa'a samoa and know the matai of your village..(like Galea'i is the matai of 'Aua and Fitiuta) then i dont see why not... polynesians are always the quick ones to judge but slow to accept... thats the sad thing about my people... you go girl... you get that malu...
its the same as asking What makes an American? i personally don't care. to me if one understands the culture it shouldnt matter what skin color he is, but that's just my perspective
I believe that if you know the culture and you strongly feel it and accept it as your own then why not?, however, I dont think people like the matais of my village in salega would approve, they believe that you need to have rights! just do what your heart tells you maend1138!!!
It's the way we do things such as to an all-encompassing traditional system of behavior and responsibilities that spell out each person's relationship to one another and to persons holding positions of power. In addition to prescribed familial relationships, which extend to one's entire extended family with its familial Matai, one also owes respect to other persons in positions of authority....
....and to customs of long standing which have rather more force than mere etiquette and it's something that will take a non samoan forever to grasp hold of. Do you know what you sing/dance about? the history of it? the meaning? the purpose if such ceremonies? Living there is not even a tenth of it.
to be samoan is all based on you. if you think yourself samoan and no nothing of the heart then no your are not samoan but if you do know the heart and kindness of samoa and you yourself know samoan love then the question that is left is "do you believe in your heart?"
during their trip they dove in the ocean, they saw an oyster and got embarassed of what they saw, the oyster looked just like what they had, so they went back to their village and switched up the story that men had to have it full length and women had to have it to the thighs..
history shows that the original tatau was never meant fer the men...2 women crossed the ocean wit the pattern and message as they call it from the "gods" of a tattoo that was meant fer the "women" only..known as the malu of course..somewhere along the lines of passage there was miscommunication and the tattoo became the tatau and it ended up being the men to get it rather than the women that of which it was truly meant for.
well tatau IS from samoa....if you're trying to say it's from tahiti, my friend u just got lied to.... i've been tattooing for 14 years. JUST HAD TO LEARN YA.....but honest who cares..lol...Samoa Mo Samoa
yeah i know i tell ppl over here and all of them just look at me cuz i live in america and damn these palagis think they know everything then when they look it up they feel hella stupid
the Samoan language has been in existence far longer than the Tahitian language. Samoan culture and language was around before polynesians even even discovered Tahiti. So its safe to say that the the polynesian word Tatau...was in Samoan vocabulary before the polynesians even settled Tahiti.
PRoSPeCC - Samoan culture and language was around before polynesians even even discovered Tahiti. So its safe to say that the the polynesian word Tatau...was in Samoan vocabulary before the polynesians even settled Tahiti.
Samoans were the first and we are the only polynesian community to have continued on the tatau tradition UNBROKEN. In recent years, Samoans have taught the other polynesians how to tatau.
well (samoa1slander)...if you know your history...then you would know that it really came from the tahitian word....trust me..i know...and i know that *SAMOAN* culture been around before they discovered Tahiti...im jus sayin...i know my facts....im *SAMOAN* myself...but again....jus had ta learn ya
Well(PRoSPecc), if you actually did a little bit of thinking for yourself instead of just going by the palagi history books(cpt.cooks journals) then you would know that the word is Samoan and that the Tahitian word "Tatau"...came from Samoa...but again, just had to school you.
hahaha...i dont think *you* know your history...n if you read my response...i was agreeing with you....you make me laugh...u need to stop listening to what your friends tell you n get up on it....imma learn ya doe...hahahahahahaha
PRoSPeCC are you really Samoan? The word Tatau is 100% Samoan. Have you ever been to Samoa to really learn the Samoan culture and history? Seems to me you have alot of learning to do about the Samoan culture and traditions.
Yea im samoan you dumb ass. I don't think you know how to read, if you know your history or maybe asked around on who was the first to do tattoos then you would know what im talking about....jus had to learn your dumb ass!!!!!
PRoSPeCC I do know my history the Tatau is 100% Samoan. I dont know where you get your stories from but seems to me you have alot to learn about your culture.
hahaha....what an idiot....tatau is Samoan...but Samoans werent the first to do it...thats all im saying...yes tatau is 100% Samoan....but we werent the first....
who was the first to do it? Fijians? I've heard of the old story of 2 fijian women swimming to Samoa to teach the skill. I also read somewhere that japanese were doing tatts from back in the days too.
allikohcysp they say Fijians but when I tell Fijians our story they say they never heard it. So in reality the song is really talking about Fitiuta (Tau) in Manu'a. The Tatau came from Manu'a Samoa.
I've added the song words and translation in the video description. This is a common and well-known song - there are many versions sung by different people.
omfgosh! I haven't heard this song in like centuries. Can someone please let me know who sings this song, and what album is the song in? Really appreciate it..Tai lava...
yes, it's painful but for us it was worth it to continue on this beautiful & noble tradition. it's a small price to pay (a few hours discomfort) for a lifetime of samoan pride...
can you also send the name and song to me as well. soifua...keep up the tradition! I wouldnt get a Samoan tattoo any other way...I received my taulima from Suluape back in 97' and sport it for pride and strength of our culture. If you can withstand a bit of pain of this tradition you can overcome anything in life!
the song is appropriate because of the meaning - as we were sisters in samoa getting the malu - we heard this song EVERYWHERE we went. kids in the village would sing it to us.
The song tells the legend of how tattooing came to Samoa.
Two sisters - Tilafaiga and Taema brought the tools and the knowledge of tattooing from Fiji. They had been instructed that women are tattooed while men are not - but after swimming home to Samoa, their exhaustion caused them to reverse the chant so men became the first ones to get tattooed in Samoa.
The traditional Samoan male tattoo (the pe'a) and the malu are still a symbol of the courage, endurance and pride of the wearer.
the song states that with only many gifts and much persuasion amongst their arrival did they change their minds and proclaim that males were to be tattooed and not females. also.. the song states specifically that they brought the art from fiji.. though many samoan artists believe that they traveled from fitiuta (ta'u) to upolu and that the art originated there in manu'a. there ascends no prominent form of tattooing in fiji so this theory is substantial.
uaaliikamz I believe you are right because when I told some of my Fijian friends this story they told me that they never heard it before so the story really meant fitiuta (ta'u) Manu'a. That is where the Tatau originated from.
The tatau was originally brought over to Samoa from Fiti by two sisters Taema and Tilafaiga. This story is often heard in the Tatau Samoa Song . The two women who traveled from Fiti to Samoa singing to let the women have the tatau and the not the men. Upon reaching Falealupo they saw a large clam in the water and swam below to see it. By the time they reached the water's surface, their song had changed to let the men have the tatau and not the women.
MsBronx05 2 weeks ago
.love it ( = its a really unique video God bless !
mmyREESEEH 1 month ago
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2 reasons why Samoan Tattoos are super sexy
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lotonuusamoa 3 months ago
Faasilasilaga! lotonuu.blogspot (dot) com
lotonuuweb 3 months ago
the only think i can say it wow
ira4484 6 months ago
awwww...awesome...was supposed to get one too by The Late Paulo Suluape when i was younger but he told my dad never to get my body marked..so he respected him and i never got it done..
KERSENTERTAINMENT 8 months ago in playlist Samoan - Music
how can no one else not post this song? been trying to find it for awhile. thank you so much for posting it!
LuauMamoe 9 months ago in playlist Samoan Songs
I think tradition is everything and its beautiful that the whole family participated in the tatau ceremony is just amazing . Where i come from we don't do tattoos but we make small cuts our bodies to distinguish between clans in our tribe and also for respect of the elders. thanks for posting this i enjoyed a piece of your culture. and the song is soothing im sure thing sing it to calm who ever is getting the tatau.
jamesgithinji59 9 months ago
ow
daniyellowjello 1 year ago
do any of you know quando crawford?
NohelaniS 1 year ago
this is for abel
Apianlocal 1 year ago
il0v3 diS S0NG...
hUh...
dAhtS G0ttAh hURt...
az091645 1 year ago
just wouldnt be samoa widout the chicken going off in the back....lmao!
shalyneaus 1 year ago
back of the knee daayyuumm!
liamjames02 1 year ago
Thanks for they lyrics
rasta408 1 year ago
Dayuuuum I love my Samoan people.....and song sounds so beautiful love dat song......SA love
rasta408 1 year ago
y0u all are brave beautiful y0ung w0men;
its g00d t0 see y0u by-pass all the negatvity, i kn0w f0r SURE i'll be judged & talked ab0ut being half palagi. whadda shame t0 be judged aye? all'gudds, sh0ts* t0 y0u sugas!!
MAUGATAMASESE685 1 year ago
BEAUTIFUL.
halfnesianhalfsouful 1 year ago
Louisa. . .which sister is this???
arleneclaar 1 year ago
@arleneclaar this is sisi!
kiwidiva 10 months ago
very proud! thanks for including the lyrics to the song!
Samconian05 1 year ago
Hey thanks guys
tailz1208 1 year ago
do you know where i can get the track to this song? or did any samoan artists remake this song?
BROD684 1 year ago
OMG heas mee thinkin ov getin wun myself bht den wen i dis clip..soo scary man..looks saw ass..lol..man dhat chik sooo brave man..she can handle dha pain..
malo ah faamalosi..
LEAHTAEz 1 year ago
Va'ine Toa!:-) Beautiful.
Manawakitepuhoro 1 year ago
In my opinion more samoans have come to water down the meaning of someone who has a TATAU.I run into so many samoans who have 1 & kno nothing of their gafa, which is sad & embarrasing.I myself am full samoan & grew up in the village Nofoali'i b4 com'n to the US..I speak & writ fluent samoan weahter its propr or slang. Yet I am so far down the line of even getn a title. EARN YOUR TITLE 1ST...Cuz ther is a certain RESPECT FACTOR, that comes with the territory in having the TATAU..SOIFUA!!!!
lole4u 2 years ago 3
if i marry a samoan, i want one around my body and a Palauan one for my heritage too :). i appreciate everyone hea in this vid and the one who posted this. Talofa and Alii from PALAU :)!!!
Fonzie, Belau bodyboarder*
Belaubodyboarder 2 years ago
this is soooo beautiful, **tears** that tapping is music to my ears!!! they sang this song when I was finishing though. I LOVE IT!!!
AuLeLeIHaMo 2 years ago
I think cultural tattoos are beautiful. I am african american and is planning to get an west african inspired tattoo as a tribute to my heritage.
Tanisha0782 2 years ago 7
I thought people were not allowed to have a camera when this kind or ritual tattooing process ?! You don't have to keep this private ?
Maedusasuicide 2 years ago
kiwidiva is right, you better be careful with sterilization/hygiene issues. An old buddy of mine Pouvave Pou Jr. and his best friend got theirs at the same time but his friend died from blood poisoning from the implements.
Cambodia69 2 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this. This is one song that I would never forget. My elementary teacher taught us the story "O Le Ta Tatau" and how to sing the song.
posavea 2 years ago
AWESOME!
steeldrumer 2 years ago
listen to the cocks crowing lol oh man i miss island life
lordekyle84 2 years ago 4
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SAMOANCR1P 2 years ago
Dude, your sister is maddd brave! I swear, when we were there for holiday last year I couldn't even bring myself to do a normal one with a needle in apia. Ahaha. Mad props! :)
saLOVE19 2 years ago 2
all 3 of us sisters got the malu - not just her! she just got the best video because i shot it! good idea to be wary of tatts in samoa. my cuz got the flesh eating bacteria (from a needle tatt) and i got a bad strep infection! you gotta be BRAVE and you gotta go thru the pain to get the mana! i got heaps of mana now!
kiwidiva 2 years ago
@kiwidiva My father was born in western samoa and i wanna learn more about my culture so i wanna get one of those tattoo's.But first I need to learn my cultures language, oka that's gonna be nice to speak samoan.
awesomeness657 1 year ago
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5tonyvvvv 1 year ago
@5tonyvvvv shells, rocks, other bones. however they could.
kiwidiva 1 year ago
ah reminds u of history i wanna get a tatto like that5
tokunumber1matua 2 years ago
Where can I get the words and chords for this song? It's a simple 1 4 5 progression but I'd like to be able to sing the lyrics too.
linuxguru1968 2 years ago
the words are posted. click on the 'more info' button of the description. the chords are posted too.
kiwidiva 2 years ago
Thanks! Samoans are such beatiful people just like the music - really simple and awesome!
linuxguru1968 2 years ago
yeah!!!...samoa originated tattooing,i mean the damn word comes from us!!...now the world copies us...chooohooo!!!
pullashizle 2 years ago 2
aw HELL to the NO lmao this looks TOO PAINFUL!!!
tarolegs 2 years ago
Lol i kno aye farr .. id never be able to do it
Fobbie101 2 years ago
I am Samoan too. But it seems as if I barely have any insight to my culture. Its really sad. I think its great that many of you are willing to embrace a little bit of it. :)
LeIzIeGuRl 2 years ago 2
i wish i was in a position to get a pe'a myself, which is not the case since i'm not samoan. i do have other polynesian tattoos though which do not imply that same level of cultural and spiritual identification. I do love polynesian culture as a whole, and samoan in particular, but as said below, i guess before having a pe'a u really need to deeply absorb and live the samoan way
vincenzobavoso 2 years ago
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rtasi2000 2 years ago
as a samoan i'm honored to know that you respect the culture.its all about your level of commitment.your best chance of getting one(as a non samoan) would be through service.immersion in the culture would be key.faith,family and culture are the central pillars(cornerstones) in which you need to familiarize yourself with.(advice)find a samoan family who are very intuned and active in samoan affairs and protocols,once found make a "formal" introduction and voice your request for service.
rtasi2000 2 years ago 3
i would probably recommend leaving the "pe'a" request and plans part out of your formal introduction lol.and when i say formal i mean that it should be in the formal samoan way of course.the reason why i say,is because samoans are very very protective of their culture and the values and principals that go along with it.most if not all will not approve of your request so start of simple with a simple introduction.once thats done now comes the "hard stuff" lol
rtasi2000 2 years ago 2
"you have to be present for all the affairs the samoan family takes part in"(only if permitted).small,big you name it."be there".im sure by now you catch my drift "grasshopper" lol.prove yourself and through time they will acknowledge you.may take a year it may take 20.loyalty through any service in our culture pays off.when the times right,only when its right (you'll know) make your request to the family.if they accept you as family your good to go my friend.just my humble oppinion.god speed.
rtasi2000 2 years ago 2
man this is deep under the skin lol
AMULDARRY 2 years ago
tattooing is not just a art but a way to get in tuch with our ancesters and to continue the tradishinal way.
LTchimp 3 years ago
Their is 2 story's of how Samoans learned the art of Tattooing one is we learned it in Fitiuta Manu'a Samoa and the other story is we learned it in Fiji............ All in all Samoa Mo Samoa
WarriorBK 3 years ago 4
Kiwidiva I think your sister is very brave! I have 2 tattoos little ones but I don't know if I could sit through all that.
xxxxcrazyladyxxxx 3 years ago
malo le onosai. malo lava. haha chususu
Jayeohezy 3 years ago
choooooooooo hoooooooooooooooo siva maia chooooooooooo hoooooooooo
sasrepz88 3 years ago 2
God bless our tattooist
Clluthu 3 years ago 3
They have gameboys you know lol, get a Ipod Video lol
SexyNzR12 3 years ago
cheeeehuuu!manaia le pese!real ol sku rite here
SAMOANCR1P 3 years ago 5
love this song".Samoa is a strong race we still keep our old ways never talk back to our perants and respect our elders. Getting a Pe'a is a honor to your family name and strenth and speak the old ways of Samoa. you don't have to be full Samoan to get one but you have to know the Fa'a Samoa ways of your family. We Samoa people are still here 100% strong.
punchyourface 3 years ago 9
my frend your words are strong. me i wish to get a samoan tattoo but not becuse thay look cool but becuse i feal like the samoan culture calles me. see im looking for my roots. im mexican american but the cultures i would call my ancesters are the native american and aztecan. and samoan. thanks frend.
LTchimp 3 years ago
johan345. Or watever , I suggest you dnt get a Pe'a. At all as you ain't HAMO !.. To get a incomplete Pe'a brings shame to you , your fam and village , ask your Samoan friends...
I suggest you get a tattoo. Of Crocodile Dundee , Wolf Harris or even a kangaroo. At your local tattoo shop and Not a Pe'a or kaulima....
SamoaOG 3 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
That's keige getting her malu done , Not as painful as the Pe'a ...
SamoaOG 3 years ago
Sole malo lava le pesepese.
slomoshun68 3 years ago
se pese!!...lol.
fruean 3 years ago 2
I agree with 2fyn2defyn, but too add onto that. Getting a Pe'a (for cultural or personal reasons) is trully huge accomplishment.
In my own opinion, if you can finish getting a Pe'a, you can do anything!!
ryznriyah3021 3 years ago
I totally AGREE with 2fyn2defyn !!
Its not something you should be disrespecting.The tatau or malu is to be worn with PRIDE!! and those who wear it, wear it cause of their good service to their aiga and alalafaga (village).
They know where their place in the aiga is,and fulfill that role with absolute PRIDE and HONOUR.
Salatui 3 years ago 2
as polynesians as a whole are going under the needle and expressing their definition of culture. To me...to have a pe'a, is of high recomendation and not to only be called upoon to receive one, but to except it and realized what you are getting into..with the influences of american culture, it is easy to say you have "earned" your tatau.......
and to those who don't know......the word "tattoo" is derived from the "SAMOAN" word,.....tatau....so get it right you damn ignorant idiots!!!!!!!!!
doofus808 3 years ago 4
If you have no idea what the Samoan Culture is about or not Samoan. Please Don't disrespect it. It's a honor among men and women to receive the tatau or malu who fully understand the fa'asamoa way of the life.
2fyn2defyn 3 years ago 4
everyone will be dealt with in the end. It's not something to play around with. We Samoans hold are culture very close to are hearts. To get a tatau or malu your are stating to the rest of the Samoan Community especially your family, that you have fully understood what part you play in the aiga. You fully understand the Fa'asamoa Way. and that you have knowing and willing will be of service to your Aiga.
2fyn2defyn 3 years ago 4
getting a pe'a or a malu should meaning something to you. deeply mean something to you. the tatau or malu is not some tattoo you can just get to show off. you must fist fully understand what it means to have a tatau or malu. Yes indeed a alot of samoans now a days are getting a tatau or malu just for the hell of it. But think about it " e sau aso ma alu aso" days will come and days will go.
2fyn2defyn 3 years ago 2
And I'm not trying to be rude I'm just saying... SO don't get all up on this so much.
37465john 3 years ago
People aren't being ignorant, they're expressing views about THEIR cultural practices. Why should Samoans be honoured that he wants a pe'a!?! The honouring has to come FROM him by immersing himself in Samoan cutlure FIRST! The protocols are decided from WITHIN Samoan society not by well-meaning outsiders. We don't tell you how be an American, don't tell us how to be Samoan -- you just look... dare I say it... ignorant. Excuse my bluntness.
hamokiwi 3 years ago
I agree with both sides of this spat. It seems anyone can get one these days. Samoans arent remembering what these mean and getting them for the sheer glory of saying "look at me". As for standard Americans are doing the same BUT only because its being allowed by the former for the same reason, to say "look at us". I have seen and met people who embraced the culture and called it their own, bloodline or not, and have worn their Pe'a with pride. Ive also seen Samoans disgrace it in everyday life.
Tai3Series 3 years ago
Its not a matter of who is right and who is wrong here. In the end were all wrong for the sake of being right. I look at it more as who will represent their family with pride and honor and who will show the world that they know nothing about what they have on. For those who read this. I am 100% Samoan (no Pe'a for my own reasons) and believe in evolution of man and beliefs.
"Knowledge cures ignorance, If youre in the know, be fuckin contagious"
Tai3Series 3 years ago
Seriously, why would it be so wrong to get one?
What if he's facinated of the Samoan culture, you guys should be honored not be so ignorant and tell him what not to do.
37465john 3 years ago
looks so theraputhic
xXxSTENCHxXx 3 years ago
i want to tattoo myself..whre i can find samoan flashes?
FanDjManZa 3 years ago
No.. Samoans dont flash. Pe'as are never flashed. You wont find it hangin on a tatto shops wall anywhere.
Tai3Series 3 years ago
does Samoan tattoo flash exist?
FanDjManZa 3 years ago
IF YOU WEAR THE sAMOAN TATAU OR THE MALU...YOU ARE REPRESENTING YOU FAMILY AND YOU COUNTRY!!
YOU MUST WEAR IT PROUDLY...AND MUST BE A TRUE SAMOAN...MEANING YOU DO NOT BE DISRESPECTFUL...WEAR IT PROUDLY...KNOW YOUR ROLE/POSITION...MANY MANY MORE!!
Salatui 3 years ago 2
"love this song".Samoa is a strong race we still keep our old ways never talk back to our perants and respect our elders. Getting a Pe'a is a honor to your family name and strenth and speak the old ways of Samoa. you don't have to be full Samoan to get one but you have to know the Fa'a Samoa ways of your family. We Samoa people are still here 100% strong.
punchyourface 3 years ago 2
hey im irish but i respect the samoan way of life (loyalty, respect of famil and elders and a proud warrior spirit)so much so that i wish to learn all about it and one day get a Pe'a. i know that some samoans think it is a bad thing for a white man but i would not get it for the sake of looking cool, i would get it to honour a culture i respect. what are your thoughts on such a thing?
irishdubfoundation 3 years ago 6
i respect that you want to get a pa'a and learn about samoan culture. i'm happy that you stand with us and want a warrior tatau but it's not a joke. there meaning of were you come from and who your famliy are and stand for and were you come from in honer of samoa culture. it's a blessing to get one see were you stand because it's not eazy to get one... good luck outhere
punchyourface 3 years ago
the fact that your willing and committed to getting a pe'a and is open to learning the "fa'asamoa"(the samoan way) is a very "good start" for you my irish friend.personally,i have no problems with that (your intentions seem noble).theres an old samoan proverb "o le ala i le pule o le tautua" .translation-"it is through service that you gain authority".with that said,as a suggestion i would recommend using that proverb as your foundation to acheiving your goal.
rtasi2000 2 years ago
i love this song so much so beautiful
waveblink 3 years ago
I`m hoping to get a Pe`a done in the end of this year or in the beginning or middle of next year.not a full size one though but from the hip and about 25-30cm down and around the right thigh.
I Have been pretty much obsessed about it sense I first saw one at age 10.
johan340 3 years ago
To have an incomplete Pe'a is considered shameful. Why would you only want a partial one???
ptwlane 3 years ago 2
I quite agree. My Dad's friend walks around sportin' half the tatau and he never takes off his shirt because it's embarrassing.
Johan340: If you've been obsessed since the age of 10 then you know that you can not support it being done partially.
My older cousin has a malu and it's the most beautiful tattoo that I've ever seen.
Go all the way or don't do it at all.
AniLutu 3 years ago 3
i consider it silly when someone of non-pacific island origin is sporting a polynesian tatatau or tatau! not only does it not look right, but i dont see how it is culturally significant for them?! johan340, why do you want a pe'a? to look cool?
thatdudeuknow 3 years ago 2
thatdudeuknow-
to look cool??? Ha,dont think so mate.
I want one because I`m facinated about peàs and I have samoan friends,if I wanted to look "cool" I can just walk in to a tattoo shop around the corner here and get one by machine(would have saved me alot of money and time though)
Anilutu-I would if my comunity would accept it,so for now I can only get a smaller done but when I move away from here I will get it complet.
johan340 3 years ago
great. so you have samoan friends. thats really great. but still does not validate your owning a pe'a. you are NOT samoan. things of this nature require a tradition that is inherited by blood! im sorry johan but you do not pass.
thatdudeuknow 3 years ago
sa'o lelei a oe. itz wrong for any dick and harry to get the sogaimiti or the malu. johan340 should know that the samoan tatau is NOT measured in centimeters. traditionaly you have to be a Matai or a loyal assisstant to the matai for the samoan tatau. nowadays itz just a fad.
shado989 3 years ago
Do u hav 2 b 100% 2 get a malu? bcuz im thinking of getting a malu when im older (20 yrs. old). Im go'n to go to my village(Pago-pago) up in samoa n ask my famalee to do it 4 me. But i dnt want to do it if u hav to b 100% samoan. I dnt want p-po getting FaLi'I @ me.
talofani 3 years ago
learn to spell before getting it done.
konatown5 3 years ago
no, we are not 100%. people will judge you so you must be prepared for that. if you really want it - then you will be able to handle the negativity. even though i'm afatasi - i claim my malu as my birthright and went through the ordeal to show my pride in my heritage and in honor of my ancestors who also wore the tatau. nobody can take that away from me. if people get fa'ali'i - it's really their problem, not yours!
kiwidiva 3 years ago 2
true you dont have to be 100% samoan, but its also wrong to be of no samoan descent. If you wear the malu, you have to support your family through fa'alavelaves as well as the matai of your village or family. If anyone gets fa'ali'i itz either their concern for the samoan tradition, or.......lyke many samoans, are just mean racists.
shado989 3 years ago 2
Well Samoan tattoos are pretty badass. Can you get rub on Samoan tattoos?
JerryRSun 3 years ago
actually 100% not sure..but the thing is you have to understand the culture very well..you can't just get a malu because you want it or like it...before females weren't able to have it unless they are active in the culture and understand very well what and who we are...now a days some just give 'em malus just for the money and that's just plain stupid...malu represents the significance of our roles in our culture what would you say to people when they ask you about the malu?
QTEEH 3 years ago
So for a palagi, then, how much fa'asamoa is good enough? Say I lived there, say I know sasa and siva and learned dancing from my auntie taupo, and say I sing all the Samoan songs - it doesn't change that I'm a palagi.
Is it enough? I want a malu, but even I am not sure my love of Samoa, that it's home to me, that I miss Vailima and all my Samoan aiga there is enough.
What makes Samoan, you know? Skin or heritage or aiga or love or how much time you put your feet on the island or what?
maenad1138 2 years ago
their just scared of change... me personally think if you understand fa'a samoa and know the matai of your village..(like Galea'i is the matai of 'Aua and Fitiuta) then i dont see why not... polynesians are always the quick ones to judge but slow to accept... thats the sad thing about my people... you go girl... you get that malu...
FMGaleai 2 years ago
its the same as asking What makes an American? i personally don't care. to me if one understands the culture it shouldnt matter what skin color he is, but that's just my perspective
kingpen408 2 years ago
I believe that if you know the culture and you strongly feel it and accept it as your own then why not?, however, I dont think people like the matais of my village in salega would approve, they believe that you need to have rights! just do what your heart tells you maend1138!!!
AuLeLeIHaMo 2 years ago
It's the way we do things such as to an all-encompassing traditional system of behavior and responsibilities that spell out each person's relationship to one another and to persons holding positions of power. In addition to prescribed familial relationships, which extend to one's entire extended family with its familial Matai, one also owes respect to other persons in positions of authority....
souljahlistikz 2 years ago
....and to customs of long standing which have rather more force than mere etiquette and it's something that will take a non samoan forever to grasp hold of. Do you know what you sing/dance about? the history of it? the meaning? the purpose if such ceremonies? Living there is not even a tenth of it.
souljahlistikz 2 years ago
to be samoan is all based on you. if you think yourself samoan and no nothing of the heart then no your are not samoan but if you do know the heart and kindness of samoa and you yourself know samoan love then the question that is left is "do you believe in your heart?"
hitoritaii 2 years ago
during their trip they dove in the ocean, they saw an oyster and got embarassed of what they saw, the oyster looked just like what they had, so they went back to their village and switched up the story that men had to have it full length and women had to have it to the thighs..
emmymcgee 3 years ago
history shows that the original tatau was never meant fer the men...2 women crossed the ocean wit the pattern and message as they call it from the "gods" of a tattoo that was meant fer the "women" only..known as the malu of course..somewhere along the lines of passage there was miscommunication and the tattoo became the tatau and it ended up being the men to get it rather than the women that of which it was truly meant for.
teinesamoa4lyfe 3 years ago
ouch that looks sooooo painful...i'm again reminded of the reason why I will always remain Malu-less :)
to the brave and the lototoa here: Malo lava le faamalosi!!
2000coco 3 years ago
HEY HEY THATS MY FAMBIZZLE
LMAO
fobbybeautae 3 years ago
OMFGawsh....!! this is so buzzy...!! those are my legz & like over 18, 000 people in the world have seen this vid...!! haha!! CHOOO HOOO...!!=)
funkiemo 4 years ago
well tatau IS from samoa....if you're trying to say it's from tahiti, my friend u just got lied to.... i've been tattooing for 14 years. JUST HAD TO LEARN YA.....but honest who cares..lol...Samoa Mo Samoa
tulaniu 4 years ago
that song really brings back memories... on the real.
samoawarrior 4 years ago
lol i got dis song on my cd lol
its cool
missynova 4 years ago
oe sole...
lovedeemusac 4 years ago
malo fa'a samoa
hey u know alot of peoples dont even know that samoa is the orgin of the tattoo and thats how they got the word from our word tatua
usouljah297 4 years ago
yeah i know i tell ppl over here and all of them just look at me cuz i live in america and damn these palagis think they know everything then when they look it up they feel hella stupid
usouljah297 4 years ago 3
from the word Tatau..
Tuitele 4 years ago
hahahaha i must of been typing to fast damn didnt even know i spelled it mybad
usouljah297 4 years ago
actually...it came from the tahitian word tatau.....n samoans weren't the first...sogaimiki??...yes...but tattoos??....no..jus had to learn ya
PRoSPeCC 4 years ago
the Samoan language has been in existence far longer than the Tahitian language. Samoan culture and language was around before polynesians even even discovered Tahiti. So its safe to say that the the polynesian word Tatau...was in Samoan vocabulary before the polynesians even settled Tahiti.
Just had to school you(PRoSPeCC
samoa1slander 4 years ago 4
PRoSPeCC - Samoan culture and language was around before polynesians even even discovered Tahiti. So its safe to say that the the polynesian word Tatau...was in Samoan vocabulary before the polynesians even settled Tahiti.
Samoans were the first and we are the only polynesian community to have continued on the tatau tradition UNBROKEN. In recent years, Samoans have taught the other polynesians how to tatau.
Just had to school you ProSpeCC.
samoa1slander 4 years ago 3
well (samoa1slander)...if you know your history...then you would know that it really came from the tahitian word....trust me..i know...and i know that *SAMOAN* culture been around before they discovered Tahiti...im jus sayin...i know my facts....im *SAMOAN* myself...but again....jus had ta learn ya
PRoSPeCC 4 years ago
Well(PRoSPecc), if you actually did a little bit of thinking for yourself instead of just going by the palagi history books(cpt.cooks journals) then you would know that the word is Samoan and that the Tahitian word "Tatau"...came from Samoa...but again, just had to school you.
samoa1slander 4 years ago 3
hahaha...i dont think *you* know your history...n if you read my response...i was agreeing with you....you make me laugh...u need to stop listening to what your friends tell you n get up on it....imma learn ya doe...hahahahahahaha
PRoSPeCC 4 years ago
oka... that was the biggest waste of words between Samoans i have ever seen...
samoawarrior 4 years ago 4
PRoSPeCC are you really Samoan? The word Tatau is 100% Samoan. Have you ever been to Samoa to really learn the Samoan culture and history? Seems to me you have alot of learning to do about the Samoan culture and traditions.
WarriorBK 4 years ago
Yea im samoan you dumb ass. I don't think you know how to read, if you know your history or maybe asked around on who was the first to do tattoos then you would know what im talking about....jus had to learn your dumb ass!!!!!
PRoSPeCC 3 years ago
PRoSPeCC I do know my history the Tatau is 100% Samoan. I dont know where you get your stories from but seems to me you have alot to learn about your culture.
WarriorBK 3 years ago
hahaha....what an idiot....tatau is Samoan...but Samoans werent the first to do it...thats all im saying...yes tatau is 100% Samoan....but we werent the first....
PRoSPeCC 3 years ago
who was the first to do it? Fijians? I've heard of the old story of 2 fijian women swimming to Samoa to teach the skill. I also read somewhere that japanese were doing tatts from back in the days too.
allikohcysp 3 years ago
allikohcysp they say Fijians but when I tell Fijians our story they say they never heard it. So in reality the song is really talking about Fitiuta (Tau) in Manu'a. The Tatau came from Manu'a Samoa.
WarriorBK 3 years ago
thanks bro, that makes way more sense. I've asked my fijian mates and they didn't know what i was about too.
allikohcysp 3 years ago
aint that Milo in black that used to play for Redondo's church (St. Catherine). LMFAO! if not, ia, neffamine!. HAHAHAHAHA
germoanese 4 years ago
oops...i meant tropical band not tupulaga
yayaiscool 4 years ago
I like the song. That looks painful. Long live the mother land. May GOD protect the Faa'Samoa culture.
Clluthu 4 years ago
I HERD THAT A FAFA GOT A MALU IN SAMOA
MAUGA27 4 years ago
isnt that like not allow'd?
206hyphynezz 4 years ago
Tatau Samoa
LEIonce 4 years ago
Yeah For Reals Tho...I really want to know what song this is..Please Someone hook a Uso Up..Much Alofa!!!
lhunt1989 4 years ago
mafuaaga o le tatau... the story of the origin of the tatau in Samoa... you can probably find it online.
uaaliikamz 4 years ago
I've added the song words and translation in the video description. This is a common and well-known song - there are many versions sung by different people.
kiwidiva 4 years ago
Tupulaga and Nonosina's Mevina Liufau sings a version of this song
yayaiscool 4 years ago
omfgosh! I haven't heard this song in like centuries. Can someone please let me know who sings this song, and what album is the song in? Really appreciate it..Tai lava...
uckfeouye 4 years ago
Malo girls thats awesome your family must be very PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOHORUS 4 years ago
oka oka.....se talofae.....i kno its painful huh?.....i want to get a malu.....but i am not sure...
BreeznShine 4 years ago
yes, it's painful but for us it was worth it to continue on this beautiful & noble tradition. it's a small price to pay (a few hours discomfort) for a lifetime of samoan pride...
kiwidiva 4 years ago
what is the lyrics to the song
tapusoaj10 4 years ago
the song is too long to post here but i'll send it to your mailbox.
i found the lyrics and translation online.
kiwidiva 4 years ago
can you also send the name and song to me as well. soifua...keep up the tradition! I wouldnt get a Samoan tattoo any other way...I received my taulima from Suluape back in 97' and sport it for pride and strength of our culture. If you can withstand a bit of pain of this tradition you can overcome anything in life!
lkuresa 4 years ago
were at i like no to please tofa
matai55 4 years ago
is this the actual tattoo song for Samoa, or is this just a song that the tattoo"ee" wanted to hear at the moment?
LadyJasmineRose 4 years ago
the song is appropriate because of the meaning - as we were sisters in samoa getting the malu - we heard this song EVERYWHERE we went. kids in the village would sing it to us.
kiwidiva 4 years ago
The song tells the legend of how tattooing came to Samoa.
Two sisters - Tilafaiga and Taema brought the tools and the knowledge of tattooing from Fiji. They had been instructed that women are tattooed while men are not - but after swimming home to Samoa, their exhaustion caused them to reverse the chant so men became the first ones to get tattooed in Samoa.
The traditional Samoan male tattoo (the pe'a) and the malu are still a symbol of the courage, endurance and pride of the wearer.
kiwidiva 4 years ago
the song states that with only many gifts and much persuasion amongst their arrival did they change their minds and proclaim that males were to be tattooed and not females. also.. the song states specifically that they brought the art from fiji.. though many samoan artists believe that they traveled from fitiuta (ta'u) to upolu and that the art originated there in manu'a. there ascends no prominent form of tattooing in fiji so this theory is substantial.
uaaliikamz 4 years ago 2
uaaliikamz I believe you are right because when I told some of my Fijian friends this story they told me that they never heard it before so the story really meant fitiuta (ta'u) Manu'a. That is where the Tatau originated from.
WarriorBK 3 years ago