What does Sogaimiti mean in Samoan?

Explain to students that Samoan males with the pe’a tattoo are called soga’imiti and are respected for their courage. It’s applied from the waist line, working down to knees. The traditional female tattoo is the malu and means to be protected and sheltered. It’s applied from the knees up to the top of the thighs.

What does the malu represent?

The symbolism depicted on a tatau or malu represents a covenant between a Samoan and his or her way of life. It is “O Mea Sina”. It is sacred. The word malu means protect, shelter, security.

What does the tatau represent?

A tatau represents the recipient’s heritage, personal history, present, and future. Their tatau represents everything that makes them who they are as well as who they will be! It also represents their family and the community they belong to.

Why do Samoan girls get a malu?

Protection and Service: To some individuals, the malu represents protection and service. These individuals believe that the malu is only for Samoan women who understand, respect and value their Samoan culture and play a role of service in their extended family or village community.

Is it offensive to get a Samoan tattoo?

DO POLYNESIAN PEOPLE CONSIDER DISRESPECTFUL IF OTHERS GET A POLYNESIAN TATTOO? No, and yes. It depends on how you approach Polynesian art and, ultimately, culture. Plain copying someone else’s tattoo is always disrespectful, because you are stealing their own story.

Why do girls get malu?

Changing significance Women with the malu were expected to perform key ceremony tasks and represent their families and villages on ceremonial occasions. However, in 1930, anthropologist Te Rangi Hiroa observed that “…the tattooing of a girl is often used as an opportunity for a student to try his prentice hand.

What is a Samoan tattoo called?

The Pe’a is the name of the traditional Samoan male tattoo, covering the whole body from the waist to the knees, and its origins are rooted in Samoan mythology.

What is a Samoan taulima?

Background. This taulima (bangle) was made in Samoa and sourced by a dealer located in New Zealand for the New Zealand market. Construction. The taulima is made from wood. The thick band has been painted pink with flower and leaf motifs.

Do Samoan men tattoo their genitals?

The traditional pattern covered every portion of skin, even the genitals and buttocks, in straight lines, angles and geometric shapes all in black. Male Samoan tattoo patterns do not include circular or curved lines, but the females might.