Samoan Tattoo Meaning With 140 Gorgeous Images For Inspiration

Samoan tattoos have different meanings but they generally symbolize honor, courage, power, and endurance.

I've always been a little obsessed with traditional tattoos. My search for the meaning behind the amazing Samoan tattoo designs started after I noticed a resemblance between the Rock's and Roman Reigns's tattoos. They both wear Samoan tattoos to represent the Samoan culture.

The Samoan tattoo designs are unique and fascinating and the meanings behind the designs are even better. So if you want to learn all about the Samoan tattoo, here are 135+ images you can recreate.

Traditional Samoan Tattoo Origin, Symbols and Meaning

To understand the meanings of Samoan tattoos, it is important to know how the small Samoan islands learned the art of tattooing to create a unique form that is elegant and symbolic to the Samoan tribe.

Samoan tatau (the Samoan word for tattoo derived from the tapping sound of the tools used in creating the Samoan tattoo) are easily recognized by their intricate geometric designs and patterns. Whether it is a Samoan turtle tattoo or a Samoan lizard tattoo, you will find rectangular and circular designs in their shells.

Origin

Samoan tattoo or Samoan tatau, as it is called in the Samoan language, has not always been a part of the Samoan culture and tradition. It is thought that women from Fiji probably introduced the art of tatau to Samoa.

At first, no one was interested in their work; only one of Samoa's chiefs attempted to get the tatau from the women. It didn't take long before tatau became an integral part of the Samoan culture and tradition.

For centuries, Samoan tatau evolved into different styles for men, women, and for chiefs.

A Samoan tattoo artist is known as Tafuga, translating to tattoo master. Tafugas are often accompanied by their children to ensure the passage of tatau skills to their offspring who will continue the work after the death of their father.

Instead of tattoo guns that you see in tattoo shops, these traditional tattoo artists use tattoo combs made from bones of animals that are formed into needles. This tattoo comb is made into different sizes and used to make small and thick lines.

This style of tattooing can be really painful, which is why only Samoans who can withstand the pain wear Samoan tatau. So, the tattoo is associated with strength.

Symbols

Spearheads, fish, sun, ocean waves lizards, and turtle shells are some of the different symbols you can find in Samoan tattoo designs. Each of them has a symbolic meaning attached.

For example, turtle shells symbolize fertility, longevity, wellness, and peace. A turtle shell can also be a symbol of protection. Sometimes, a tatau can contain a Marquesan cross, a symbol of the delicate balance between all elements of nature.

The Samoan tribal tattoos are attractive, but it is worth noting that the Samoan tattoo is sacred to the Samoans and Polynesians.

Getting a Samoan tattoo with tribal designs when you don't have any ties to the island country of Samoa is considered disrespectful.

Every Samoan traditional tattoo design contains several sections. Each design holds a special meaning that relates to the wearer's family history and heritage, ideas, and the Samoan community at large. This is why it's of great importance not to copy Samoan designs as it will be seen as an insult to the Samoan people and their tradition.

Honor Attached To Samoan Tattoo Designs

The traditional female tattoo is known as malu tatau, while the male tattoo is traditionally known as Pe'a. The malu is a simpler design compared to the male Pe'a tattoo. Much respect is given to young men who have Pe'a designs.

Pe'a tattoos can be very intricate. It usually has several geometric shapes linked together.

Their designs spread across an area that spans from the middle of the back to the knees. They contain black thick lines with lots of dots and arrows.

The female Samoan designs known as malu are less extensive. They extend from the upper thigh to just below the knees.

In the Samoan tradition, those who can endure the pain of tatau or finish their tatau session are seen as powerful and courageous. They are a symbol of pride and honor.

The conclusion of tatau by Samoan women and men is representative of adulthood, manhood, and womanhood.

Men who are unable to finish their pe'a for whatever reason are called tatau-mutu, which represents shame in their community.

140 Samoan Tattoo Designs For You

Sleeves Samoan Tattoos

Most Samoan tattoo designs are done as sleeve tattoos. The complex and beautiful pattern of Samoan tattoo artwork needs to be inked across a long section of the body which is why the sleeve tattoo is so popular.

The sleeve tattoos usually contain hundreds of lines and dots intricately arranged with some in rows and others in columns.

Samoan sleeve tattoos are symbols of pride and protection, which is why they are common among men, and most wrestlers of Samoan origin.

Arm Samoan Tattoo

An arm Samoan tattoo is a great decoration to adorn your body with.

They are usually done in black ink like most other Samoan tattoos and extend to the front part of the chest as shown in some of the images below.

Some of these Samoan tattoos follow tribal patterns while others seem to add a whole new level of uniqueness to the design.

Forearm Samoan Tattoo

If you are confident and would like to show the beauty of your Samoan tattoo to the world, getting one on the forearm is a great way to go about it.

Some essential meanings of Samoan forearm tattoos include bravery and strength. They can also represent guidance and good luck.

You can keep things interesting by extending your forearm tattoo to the hand area. You can also extend it upwards to the elbow.

Chest Tattoos

The broad area of the chest is a perfect place to get the delicate design of a Samoan tattoo.

The Samoan chest tattoo design will give you an intimidating and confident look. This can earn you respect and make you a person of significance in your community.

Most Samoan chest tattoos are done in black ink and they form a beautiful decoration around the chest.

Samoan chest tattoo represents honor, power, and resilience. This is a very meaningful combination for a warrior.

Back Tattoos

The back is also a very large area of the body for extensive tattoos like the large Samoan designs.

Most tattoos in this collection are extensive and delicate. Some contain significant designs like a turtle shell and shark teeth. Such symbols help other Samoans to easily recognize the meaning of your tattoo art.

You can express strength through the curves and twists and turns of these back tattoos. You can also use them as a representation of your masculinity as a man or feminine strength as a woman.

Thigh

Samoans usually have tattoos on their thighs. A Samoan thigh tattoo serves as a reminder of the stories and history of the origin of Samoan tattoos.

Regardless of the tattoo design you choose, whether it's the feather tattoo or shark teeth tattoo, the patterns will definitely look stunning due to their placement.

You can get one done with family and friends as a reminder of the love and bond you share with them.

Leg

Samoan leg tattoos are quite common. Some of them can be as simple as getting band tattoos which are a simple design. However, most are extremely detailed, extending from the knee all the way to cover the feet.

They are also attractive and their placement on the legs makes them more noticeable.

Apart from the conventional meanings of Samoan tattoos, a Samoan leg tattoo also means growth and progress.

Head and Neck

Samoan head and neck tattoos are unique and unusual. The neck tattoos featured in this collection originate just below the jaw and reach down to the neckline.

The neckline Samoan tattoos are great to help you stay connected to your ancestry and heritage if you have ties to Samoa. If you have a scar along the neck that you'd like to cover up, these extended neck tattoos can also help you out.

Every pattern in the tattoos of this collection is amazing and getting one of them will be a massive boost to your self-love and confidence.

Hands and Feet

If you are looking for a creative Samoan tattoo design that will set you apart from others, then you should seriously consider getting a hand tattoo.

Samoan hand tattoos are cute, all the while maintaining the delicate designs that define Samoan tattoos.

You can add creative markings or get matching designs on your hands along with your loved ones, to serve as a reminder of a shared experience.

Aside from their stunning look, getting a Samoan tattoo on the hands and feet can serve as a symbol of good luck in the life of the wearer.

Unique

This collection contains some of the most stunning Samoan tattoos you will see. Every tattoo in this collection has a feature that makes it special, like the line work tattoo that extends from the stomach to the ankle.

Some of these tattoos are so extensive that they go beyond a single region of the body. While others are done in rare ink colors like blue, purple, or green. There are also those with impressive patterns while some are a combination of the special features shown above.

The tattoo designs in this section are what you really need if you're looking for a Samoan body tattoo that will set you apart in your community and grab attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Get Samoan Tattoo?

Native Samoan tattoo designs are sacred to Samoans. Almost every design has a detail that makes it special to those wearing it. This means that only people who are related to the Samoan culture should get the tattoo.

The nature of the "Samoan" tattoo worn by those who are not native to Samoa only bears a passing resemblance and does not copy the original traditional designs.

These designs can be done in places like Hawaii and Florida. However, some people go to the extent of visiting Samoa to seek permission to get the traditional tatau.

How Painful Is A Samoan Tattoo?

As Samoans use bone instead of needles to make their tattoo design, this can be very painful. Some males from the Samoan community never get around to completing the process due to the excruciating experience.

However, if you are using modern tools like tattoo guns in making your own tattoo, the pain will typically be similar to getting any other type of tattoo.