Here is some information for you kids. (tatau) According to tradition, the first Samoan Tufuga (craftsman) who presented the design and the art of the tatau on humans was high Chief Su’a from the island of Savaii. The first Samoan who went through the ritual of the tatau was Paramount Chief Tuia’ana Tamalelagi of the A’ana region, island in Upolu. Tuia’ana Tamalelagi was one of the most colorful personalities of ancient Samoan history. He held one of the four highest titles of Samoa Tuia’ana. He was also renowned for bravery and so handsome that he was married ten times to daughters of Chiefs from various regions of Samoa who sought higher prestige and closer association with this powerful family, and Vaetoefaga daughter of Tui-Toga. It is said that at feasts and on formal occasions when Tuia’ana Tamalelagi showed his tatau, it was admired by the women, but envied by men. Since the time of Tuia’ana Tamalelagi, the ritual of the tatau has become an integral part of Samoan custom and tradition. It was forbidden for members of the aumaga (group of untitled men) to participate in any of the formal ceremonies associated with the councils of chiefs, unless they had gone through the ritual of the tatau. Untitled young men with the tatau are given the name soga’imiti. Only the soga’imiti were authorized to prepare food for the chiefs. And perform other chores as required by the council of chiefs.
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 01:44:15 +0000
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