Tatau

Symbol:

a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g. the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation.

Symbolic:

serving as a symbol.

Symbolism:

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Tatau:

Back in the days in Samoa, there were only 2 families that were allowed to carry the tatau (tattoo) with them. The families were Suluape and Su’a. But years after, Su’a Suluape wanted to show other people how to do it. Now he is in NZ, he is a tattooist as well as a principal.

Falaniko Tominiko is a resident of Auckland University. One day he wanted to get a tattoo, but first he needed his parents permission. Falanikos mother was scared that he might not handle the pain, and also she thought that he was only kidding. But his father said that the tatau is all about bravery, especially service. Falanikos parents said yes.

So when Falaniko got it, he had a ‘soa’ (tattoo partner). During the tatau, they had to follow some rules. The rules were: You were not allowed to sleep with you partner (wife). You had to keep yourself warm, also can’t drink and could not walk around during night time. The last rule was you had to keep the tattooist comfort, so he can do the tatau in the most peaceful and not painful. But if hes not comfortable, he will do it in a way that you will not want.

After all I have learnt that when getting a cultural tattoo, some people have it for cosmetic reasons, but not for whats its about. Also I have learnt that it is pretty good that Sua Suluape taught other people how to do the tatau.