The process involves a prayer and lifting the tapu or sā (restriction) off the tattooing. An egg is cracked and then with tumeric and oil is rubbed all over the tattooed person's body.
The traditional male tattoo is known as a malofie or pe'a and it was such an important and special occasion for my class to be invited to support and attend with him during his tattoo which took around 5+ days.
In the pic, our teacher is lying on the floor whilst the tufuga or Master tattooist is using the traditional method of tapping the markings on him. The pain must have been excruciating but he handled it well.
The completed tattoo is also known as a "la'ei" or garment and that is worn as a symbol of serving ones village, church, family, Samoan traditions etc. and our teacher already does this well.
It was particularly important for me to also attend as I am currently finishing a picture book on traditional Samoa tattooing that I first started writing the text in Melbourne in 2016 but at that time did not feel quite ready for the illustrations or finalize.
However, upon attending and watching the tattooing process with my class, I felt that the time was right to complete and launch in Samoa in the new year of 2023, Lord willing. As it was also mentioned that this is a measina a Samoa or another treasure of Samoa that is so important to be aware and participate in.
It was even more special to be able to share it with my classmates in support of our teacher who has been a very keen in sharing this journey of his family with us and deepening our understandings of the fa'aSamoa. Not only theoretically in class but also practically in an opportunity such as this...
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