Samoan Tribal Tattoos and Their Meanings
Samoa is part of the Polynesian Islands and the place where the word "tattoo" originally comes from. The word tattoo originates in the Samoan culture as “tatau”.
Just like tattooing in other Polynesian areas, Samoan tattooing was a ritual that was not lightly undergone. The traditional way of Samoan tribal tattooing is a lengthy and painful procedure.
The traditional Samoan tattoo for males is called “Pe'a” and usually covers more than half of the body. Women also wear traditional tattoos called “Malu” but are mostly not as large and extensively filled with color. These tribal tattoos are full of meaning to the Samoan culture and consist of abstract and complex patterns and designs.
Tattoo shop owners and tattoo artists! Add your shop to tattoojoy.com for FREE! Take advantage of thousands of visitors searching for tattoo designs and tattoo pictures. Advertise your shop for free.Tattoo Design Gallery
Browse our tattoo design picture gallery with thousands of tattoo pictures, images, samples, and photos by category.
Tribal Tattoos
Flower Tattoos
Cute Tattoos
Black Tattoos
Asian Tattoos
Small Tattoos
Pink Tattoos
Wrist Tattoos
Browse all categories ...