‘The Evolution of Pacific Tatau
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- čas přidán 16. 09. 2019
- We take a look at the evolution of Tatau - Pacific tattoo.
We hear from some of the pioneers of Pacific tattoo and meet some of the new generation of tatau and tā moko artists. We also talk to some of our most well-known Pacific stars about their ink, including Sonny Bill Williams and Jason Momoa!
www.thecoconet.tv/coco-tv/fre... - Zábava
Exceptional artists. Lucky to have this practice in their heritage. So beautiful.
In the past many Tongans went to Samoa to have tattoos, mostly done by relatives there, it was a kind of tradition.
Not for all tatau. If that was the case, then perhaps everyone else travelled to share tatau within other islands. Not just a one way to Samoa only. Like that tattoo kit that was discovered in some rural island of Tonga. And I’m sure there’s other tatau kits and tools found in our other neighbouring island nations as well. We just haven’t discovered it yet
Give the Samoan credits for keeping it up with on their bodies and not on some trees. Hats off to the Samoans. They actually had brought it through tough times and for all Polynesians benefits.
Hard out uce
Sydney Patrick Marsh lol those are tamoko, tatau is samoan
@@danielleteu868 Yeah but original comment made it seem like every other Polynesian gave up the art of 'tattoo' apart from Uso's which isn't true. Maori never lost our art either just like the Uso brothers and sisters.
@@danielleteu868 'Tatou' and 'Tamoko' have the same meaning (cultural tattoo). We both just have different styles, doesn't make them different.
It's not a competition, before colonizers fucked out islands we were all one anyways. We should embrace our cultures together, afterall we got appropriation of Polyensian culture everywhere now
Loved this vid! Great job to the team of talented people who put it together. Appreciated all the different perspectives. The comment section, boyyy... LOL! Just keep in mind y'all that culture and people evolve. I'm pretty sure when tattooing was first introduced to Samoa, there were people that said, "that ain't Samoan!" LOL! There's a lot of mixed Pacific Islanders living in the world, all over the world, and they long to carry a piece of our great cultures with them. It's not your duty or business to deny them of that. Better to help them by welcoming them and sharing your knowledge with them. And trust the artists/tufuga. They are closer to the art and culture, and many of them respect the culture enough to share it with those who come to get it in.
Speaking of Tongan tattoos, I’ll share you a story. This wasn’t just men here. Women had it too. The Mitochondrial side (from mother to daughter), used to tattoo between the fingers (no malu - there’s a reason for that not sure why) but it was like a vine up to the forearm and from shoulder to shoulder (along the collarbone). Now our oral family history stated that it was symbolic for when they would go naked into the caves (a cave in Tonga called Ana Hulu) to talk to the dead spirits. So when they do a ceremonial tau’olunga/chant, they would bow (punou) so that the fingers would fan out to show the tattoos on the fingers before they would enter the cave. Like a gateway portal sorta thing before communicating with the afterlife.
It is believed that you needed that tatau on the chest to ONLY let in a small portion of the spirit in. Like something small to obtain/sustain. Otherwise if you tatau more than what is required along the collarbone then they’ll take over your body that you become “puke tevolo” (possessed) for life. You are nothing but a vessel for the ‘tevolo’ or spirit. That part freaked me out because as a young teen, I had sketched and thought to have a Tatau between the fingers and I had anyidea about my ancestral family ties.
Mysticism, Witchcraft and Shamanism is what my ancestors practiced hence the reasons why they may have had these tattoos to begin with. We believed in the Gods of the Underworld or the Afterlife. To Hikule’o. Some call her by a different name or a joint God to her. Hikule’o can be a guy or a girl. But mostly referred more to me as I hear that she was female which ties down to the Fahu system and strong matriarchal practices as well that we have in Tongan culture today. It wasn’t just one woman. A group would go into a single file naked to speak to the dead spirits. After a certain amount of time, they would all huddle up on the secluded part of the beach and lax back all together half naked to sunbathe in the light on the tatau on the chest. Like some sorta cleanse or renewal from the soul after talking to the spirits in the dark.
It all makes sense for me, because I learnt my 2nd/3rd great grandparents and so on, have being witch doctors and practicing knowing how to make certain ‘faito’o’ (Tongan herbal medicines and other practices) which they were called on by priests/ministers for extra “back up”. Then over time in the closer generations to present; some became ministers especially present to help or to conduct exorcisms. Which would explain how they got their foot in the door to make a smoother transition into Christianity (which probably took a lot of time to convert because how deep in they would’ve been in their beliefs and practices).
Makes me wonder: Why was Tonga given to God and becoming a Christian country in the first place?! People only discuss that the King gave Tonga to God. Not enough about the reasons why. I have one segment of my family history and it’s a small window glimpse of what Tonga was Pre-Christian. Some say Tongatapu is the sacred south. Whereas along our family: it was known more as ‘the forbidden south’ and it makes more sense to me that way tbh. So many so-called rich hedonistic rituals. Curses are a HUGE thing too for us Tongans. Which is understandable why some are so hung onto Christianity to be saved. This is the beginning, a lot more will be coming to the surface. If anyone else has similar family stories to mine. Please hit me up 😎✨
NOTE: Underworld isn’t necessarily “bad” as it’s mentioned to be. There’s a good and bad to the afterlife/underworld. Shamanism and voodoo practices within Tonga were for good and for bad depending on what it’s for and specifically only for the professional witchdoctors and not just anyone else.
omg does your family remember the patterns? or have you found any old pictures of it? i really hope it’s brought back
IF ONLYYY 😭 sure there’s the typical patterns you would see but we have none that actually are a tradition for our Tongan people. I’ve always envied seeing Tangata whenua in NZ or Samoans etc with tatau especially for them
That is great story. This is why I have always have reservations about non poly getting Tatau. It is sacred sacred sacred. it been commercialised. Polynesians n non polys get them becoz they think they look cool, but don't have any ideas of the meanings!!!!
@@sasharowen9584 Hi! Sorry for the late one. This just came to mind and I had to trace back. Not quite I’m afraid. But I have heard through family it is pretty much what we’ve got on our Kupesi tapa ngatu or slight patterns that we weave within the ta’ovala or fala. I think you need to look deeper in other sources within 1800’s or 19th century Tongan stuff (that’s if we have anything in preservation around that time) which would actually help have a glimpse of what we have - preferably anything within the museums or something like that. I’m sorry I wasn’t much help 🙏🏾💕✨
Oscar had his tattoo done at my house in mangere.. still buzzes me out. Was out of the blue. I walked in and saw Oscar knightly getting tattooed at the backhouse 😂 camera guys and all. I just turned around jump back in my car and left.
haha chur good ol 275 home of every one hahaha
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY!
Boo ya tribe had Samoan sleeves and chest pieces in the 80s
53A17 E str8 facts
I remember being in tonga and seeing a chinese guy with a full on sleeve.. I thought it was pretty cool seeing someone of another race embrace my culture and wear it with pride as he spoke tongan!
Good stuff bro a lot of people these days would call a Chinese guy with cultural sleeve “racist”, “wrong” or disrespectful
@@leew6063 that Chinese person was high chance born and raised in Tonga (since theres also a Chinese population in Tonga atm) and I'd say it is fine to see that. He has grown up in the country and understand our culture as something he too grew up with. However, if I saw an Asian, born in a western country wear a tribal patterned sleeve tattoo, yeah that shit ain't right
@@_.--._._-._--._-.--__.--._._-. you do know it’s still good advertising right ? Heck Ive seen people from Denmark, Norway that has poly tats. It pays hamage to the islands
well done Oscar and all brothers and sisters! who have completed their tatau manuia!
Those tats used to have meaning, now they’re more of a fashion trend like everything else that’s “ethnic” instead of purpose it’s all about following a “trend” a person’s culture should never be a “trend”!
I guess you get both pakeha/palangi and Maori/Samoan/Tongan who do it either for fashion or for meaning. This applies also to the artist, with some just doing it for the sake of art and some who put some meaning behing. I think a tattoo is never just about the wearer but also, if not in most part, to the artist.
Also, I don't think that pakeha get Maori tattoos just for the 'fun' of cultural appropriation. There are of course some people who are more culturally sensitive and respectful than others. At the end of the day, I don't think that generalising is that helpful.
@@jl121982 I am full Tongan and I want to get a traditional Tongan tattoo (potentially the traditional way with stick and stone so I know feel the culture better) but I want to use the patterns that apply to me, as the patterns tell stories and such. But I saw people with polynesian tattoos who are not one bit polynesian walk past me before and it was astonishing that they have not been called out for appropriating our culture...
No offense toko Tongan tribals are Samoans tribal we are the ones who passes it down to y’all lol
@@toamalamascanlan7227 hahaha
@@toamalamascanlan7227 lol bruh we have our own. Tongan kupesi patterns, look nothing like yours however samoan patterns are alot more intricate then ours.
Cant wait to go back home and get Fijian Tribal!!🤙🏽
"I would suggest not just getting a Maori or Samoan tattoo because you'll get hassled by Maori and Samoans. I suggest getting all polynesians tattoos mixed." Uhhh what e hoa? So then u get subjected to hassling by Tahitians, Tongans, Nuieans, Hawaiians etc. Great logic e hoa!
I know what you mean hey..Like either way: those people getting tattoos like that and aren’t of Polynesian decent will be hassled or stared at by islanders anyhow lol
There should be no dislike button for videos like this.
We do tattooes like that in the philippines aswell
Yes we know, but there are not polynesian.
You may have different patterns though, afterall the distance between our islands and yours is vastly far. It's cool and all, but we all different
Yes it’s true! You know the Filipino people have always been seen as the Asian version of Polynesians in a way. We are long long distant cousins. You guys eat the same food but cook it differently. Same similar words and meanings too 😎Would love to go to the Philippines 🇵🇭✨💕
Lol @ taking the shirt off at the club, that was me the first weekend after getting my pe’a when I got back from Samoa🥴🤣🤣
First comment 😊 Much love to all polynesian people 🙏❤
As a black man I'd like an honest opinion from someone actually from the culture/tribes. I always liked styles and patterns. But I'm well aware cultural appropriation. So out of respect I will not get a to moko. Instead I will be getting a kiritua which Google says it's a style meant for outsiders. It will be of my own design and patterns. Is that appropriate/respectful?
Yes, nothing wrong with it. Kirituhi is a non-Maori cultural looking tattoo. Essentially for looks. You of course can give it your own meaning. Btw I can only speak on behalf of Maori and Kirituhi. Samoans, Tongans, Hawaiians etc might have their own version of 'Kirituhi'.
NO! you HAVE to get a to moko!! Lmao 🤣 🤣 as long as you have diligently read up on, researched and then did homework on the different type scars that will be meticulously meandered into esthetics on YOUR body then Hey!! Have @ it! I'm sure your designs will tell your warrior stories to your future generations as our has. 😆 start with the was 2020 .....the legalization Of cannabis in 11 States, Corona, the wasteful hoarding of toilet paper & water, the missing killer bees. 😆 🤣 ok ill stop lmao 🤣 💀 😂 good luck bruh bruh...
@@sikopio2887 Kāore ia e ta moko e hoa... Nah he can't get ta moko, he has to get kiri tuhi. Non Maori version..
Yes, however I suggest dialing down on our patterns and inspiring your own into it more. We are very sensitive with out tattoos, but if you want to, go ahead. As long as you dont go around acting and stereotyping us polynesians, you're good to go bro
6:06 It’s a Wolf😂😂😂😂
It’s a cat 😺😂
Very beautiful
This is SO interesting. 😲😲😲
This is dope.
Beautiful
Bro the Samoan tattoos are so sick Sonny Bills sleeve is so dank
Bro! His sleeve is NOT all Samoan. Do your research!!
Tongans and Maoris and Samoans get tatts done very similar with the bone thing
Does anyone know the full list of artists in the video?
Wow
MANTAP 🖒🖒🖒🖒
2:00 what’s it called?? (Not pe’a but the smaller piece called??)
My wolf look like a cat hahahah malo
Uso Polynesians Art is a blessing 🇼🇸❤️🇼🇸🇹🇰❤️
💯
Samoa is the best tattoo in the Pacific I'm not samoa but I lov all of the samoa tatau lol roman , usos and rock 👌👌🔥
Lol your name says you're samoan 😂
That's the problem with Westerners. Judging which looks better, meaning a lot of people get them just for looks and not actual meaning of them. Western ideals break Polynesia culture apart.
To say Samoan tatu's are the best is asinine!! Especially if your referring to your idols. If you ever get to actually look at what's been printed on them it's a mix of ALL of Polynesian's history. NOT just 1 race. That's like saying Mexican tacos are the best. When ALL Latinos have different versions of making such a thing. Valea!!
Rock's one is not even Samoan lol he got it done by a Marquesan artist and he has Marquesan/Tahitian patterns. Traditional Samoan patterns don't have spirals like the designs in Eastern Polynesian tattoos. Western Polynesian tattoos look more primitive since it's history is older.
Jason is funny
❤🇼🇸
Safotu squad where u at.
I see so many non Polynesians get these tattoos. It frustrates me cause being born in Hawaii I know I have no Polynesian ancestry but raised in the culture. I want to know other peoples' opinions if it's disrespectful that outsiders do this. Should outsiders stictly not get a tatau If you have no Polynesian ancestry?
Idk Ik for sure my uncles are some old heads when it comes to non-polys getting traditional Tataus. But in a way I kind of appreciate those who do get the tatau, for putting out our culture. But I hope they understand the meaning behind the tatau. As a tradition of our people, and not just a cool ass design lol.
Should a white, Asian, indian or Aboriginees man not rap only because blacks started rap??? Even though they've krafted the art of rap better then other black mumble rapper's have?? HELL NO!! If your pure in heart about our Polynesian culture and have done the research on what your about to put on your body permanently. Then by all means. Fr fr 💯 !! That way you can hold your head up high when you're confronted by a poly and YOU WILL BE because there are some ignorant 1s out there. You'll be able to perhaps teach them about your love for poly's n why you'd choose to scar your body with a tatau. Or just be THE FASTEST runner you know and run for your life. 🤣 Best of luck bruh bruh!!
Im not Samoan, but my husband and children are.... so I would get something on my body to carry them with me at all times. I don't see anything wrong with this because I love my husband and children more than life itself and I am also ensuring that my little ones are learning their culture and know who they are and who better to set the example than their parents, even their non-Samoan mother embracing it. I do see though how people have issues with no ploys getting tatau simply for the look or because they think its cool without having any appreciation for the culture beyond that or ties to it.
As a full Tongan, I respect this so much. Our culture has failed to be passed down as westernized society poured in, fuck I dont even know everything about Tonga because of this bullshit. So seeing others take my culture and use it as an "aesthetic" is so displeasing.... like fuck off, you've got your own, we've got ours smh
No it’s is not coming from a full blooded Samoan as long as your respectful about it educated that is enough
Would it be rude to some if you get a Samoan tatau and not being Samoan in blood but in heart and your step father who raised you the fa’a Samoan way who has a traditional pe’a and you get the permission, would it be Ok to get a tatau
If you get permission from your stepfather and Samoan relatives then why bother asking CZcams? If it's ok for you, your Samoan side and the tattoo artist don't worry about other people. '
Just be prepared to get questioned by other Samoans. If you explain it with reasoning then they can respect your ink. You don't want to be caught as those fashion ink wearers who only do it for aesthetics.
A tongan pe’a?? ..... Yeeeaaaah goooood one LMFAO Since when
its called a ta vaka, look it up yourself
The Tongan Royal family who ruled at that time in history came from Samoa. They passed their tatau down their bloodline, with time, as does everything in life, their patterns and meanings change to suit their cause. We are one, all of our histories and bloodlines are, always have been and always will be intertwined. Think of the Pacific as one country, same people different states with the Pacific Ocean as our Highways. These man made barriers and borders saying we are different people or better than each other. That is a coloniser's tool he uses to divide and conquer. They fooled and outwitted our ancestors. Our history is out there. Find and research your history, own it no matter what it is. Honour our ancestors. Keep your culture. One love Pacific
@HamoCz, Tongans had the Tatatau or Ta Vaka since the beginning of Polynesia. The Oldest Tatau Kit in Oceania was found & belongs to Tonga (www.google.co.nz/amp/s/amp.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2188663/2700-year-old-tattoo-kit-found-tonga-worlds-oldest-say). It’s older than any Tatau Kit in Samoa, but because it was outlawed by our King Taufa’ahau the 1st, we lost our ancient art-form.
@no man, Tonga’s Royal Family descends from the Ha’a Tangaloa Clan that resided in Tonga. They did not come from Samoa. They descend from the Lapita People. Tonga ‘Eiki was the first island of Polynesia to be settled. Samoa, Tokelau etc etc we’re settled after. We are one people because we all descend from the Lapita People. Let’s honour our ancestors. Polynesia Forever.
Samoa is the best tatau lol 👌👌🇼🇸
THE WORD TATAU IS FOR THE SAMOAN PE'A FOR MEN AND MALU FOR WOMEN.SO YOU CANNOT CALL THE TATTOO ON YOUR ARM OR SHOULD TATAU.
Ummm wheres the Hawaiian, tahitian, rapanui
RAPANUI Have a traditional Tatatau called Tagata Manu or Birdman .. I like very much ....
show off
So... Im not Samoan. I've asked some of my Samoan friends if I can get a Pe'a. Some say yes. Some say no. Some say Imma get jumped by 20 300lb local boys if I get it. Others say It would be dope for a black guy to wear the Pe'a... I don't know if there is a right answer or not, but I know I want one.
nun samoaa i will say no a pea its our culture its our mana come to samoa and see suluape he will give you a righ to have a pea my frend
Don’t do it brotha lmao especially a Pe’a. If you ever did get something similar to a Polynesian tattoo get something smaller. Make sure you know what’s behind that tattoo ( The Meaning )
Definitely not!!!
You can totally get it!!! #sadFact more then half the poly's that have them don't know a darn thing about what they wear. It's like getting a Chinese tattoo done only 2 find out it says in Mandarin that your jenitals are as big as a pimple on Cockroach all the while you walk with your chest puffed out smiling and waving as if you in a parade 😄 🤣 🤣
Don't do it, its a birth right A pe'a is such a highly ritualistic tatau. Perhaps a smaller piece but I feel like pe'a is sacred and Im not even Samoan. I think malu is beautiful but not being Samoan, I would not get one no matter how lovely I think it is. It would be a reverse form of cultural appropriation. And to those saying some Samoans get it and dont even know what it means.... I call bullshit. You dont go through an extensive process like that and not know what it means. There are some Samoans who dont even get it because they feel its not something they have earned..... so for you to get one I think would be disrespectful to their culture.
Why don't you say it how it is? It started in Samoa and then spread to world after it