The art of Tatoo originates from Polynesia and the Samoans are one of the few islanders to retain this traditional art form. Traditional designs vary from family to family and recall certain historical stories and honours of the family lineage. Whilst most important for high chiefs to wear, most Samoans have a tatoo of some sort and display them with pride.

Tatoo's normally cover the man's body from the waist to the knees in a pattern of tight yet intricate lines and dots creating uniform patterns of triangles and curves. Designs are carved by skilled and highly respected Tufuga Pe'a, a distinction that is passed through blood from father to son. Women of high rank also wear tatoos on the thighs, being more sparcely patterned but equally painful to receive. Tatoo's can take up to a month to be completed, during which time the person being tatooed must adhere to strich traditional rules. Sharpened sharks teeth or boars husks are used to carve the tatoo. These tatoo ceremonies are very strict but it is possable to witness the traditional art if protocol and gifts are offered to the Tufuga Pe'a.

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Our top 10 things to do in Samoa

1) - Stay in a Traditional Beach Fale,
explore secluded locations in the real samoa

2) - Robert Louis Stevenson - Historical Apia Town
Robert Louis Steveson house, museum and grave

3) - Saanapu to Return to Paradise Beach Walk, Upolu
stroll for miles along secluded beaches and rock pools

4) - Circle Island Sightseeing Tours, Upolu & Savaii,
tropical waterfalls to golden beaches

5) - Visit American Samoa,
explore the National Parks and wild coastline of Tutuila Island

6) - Fire Dancing,
traditional dancing, fire dancing and feast

7) - The Art of Tatoo - A Samoan Tradition
watch a master tatooist in action - or get one yourself!

8) - Falealopu Rainforest Reserve, Savaii,
canopy walk, sea arches, sacred rainforest;

9) - Swim with Turtles at Satoalepai, Savaii,
lava flow, rainforest, waterfall and turtles

10) - Woodcarvers of Uafato Forest Reserve, Upolu
experience fa'a samoa, village life and traditional handicrafts


Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:

Fiji Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Cook Islands Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tonga Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tahiti Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Hawaii Tours - Top 10 Attractions

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Recommended Websites: Beautiful Pacific - South Pacific Holidays fiji resorts ; cook islands resorts ; samoa resorts ; tonga resorts ; tahiti resorts