When we talk about Samoan tattoos, we are talking about tribal tradition in its entirety.
What history has taught us, and continues to do so, is that in tribes, the sense of belonging is very strong. Wearing certain symbols on the body is a sign of honor and respect for tribal traditions and for one’s role in the community.
For this reason, it is not uncommon for the greatest examples of the most enduring tattoo styles to come from these communities.
Samoan tattoo symbols
After talking about the history of Samoan tattooing , it is interesting to go deeper and take a closer look at the most popular symbols.
Symbols play a very important role in ancient traditions. This is true not only of Samoan tradition, but also of Polynesian and Japanese traditions, to name but a few.
Nowadays, tattoos are considered trendy, but it is important to understand that in tribes, the situation is completely different. In tribal traditions, tattoos are symbolic, a distinctive sign. There are no fads or trends copied from social media.
When talking about Samoan tattoo symbols, there are some pillars that still identify the style today. Behind each symbol, as is often the case, there is a story and a specific meaning that cannot be ignored.
In the early days of the Samoan tattoo tradition, there were no curved lines, only straight ones. Over the centuries, however, the style has evolved as each symbol reflects what is important to this civilization. Samoans live in close contact with nature, which is why the symbols have evolved to include curved lines and other flourishes.
Today, Samoan tattoos are intricate, consisting of a series of lines and geometric patterns that are not always linear. The distinctive feature is that they are always freehand tattoos, without a pre-established pattern, as is often the case today.
Those lines and geometric patterns embody everything that is Samoan culture, steeped in nature, values, fish, and a sense of belonging.
Here is a list of Samoan tattoo symbols.
- Fatu: symbol of the star
- Malu: symbol of protection
- Gogo: symbol of a seagull in flight
- Toluse: symbol of the cross
- Alualu: symbol of the jellyfish
- Aveau: symbol of the starfish
- Veali: symbol of headrests (there are several in the tradition)
As you can see, these symbols are closely linked to everyday life on the Samoan islands, and this is one of the main characteristics of this type of tattoo.
Nowadays, Samoan tattoos are not only found among island tribes, but also here in the US. In fact, they are one of the most popular types of tattoo because they evoke positive and powerful symbolism.
Often, entire compositions of symbols are created, covering large areas of the body of those who decide to get a Samoan tattoo.
