Hi there!
First of all excuse the mistakes I might make. I’m from Germany – and I know I have to improve my language skills before visiting the South Pacific… 🙂
My husband and I are going to travel to Samoa this september and we both are looking foward to being tattooed by a real traditional Samoan artist.
I know the tattooists won’t be happy to tattoo a nonentity – and of course the inhibitants abhor foreign people wearing “their” tattoos. But both of us don’t see those artworks as a souvenier. We already informed us intensively about the symbols of the Samoan culture and we both want to get a tattoo that suits our position.
So does anyone know a Samoan artist that might tattoo tourists, too? And in case you really know someone, do they arrange appointments? As I read a lot about Fa’a Samoa I fear this might be a bit tricky… 😉
We would be really happy to find someone!
Are you planning on the traditional male/female Samoan tatau? If so – Probably not gonna happen. Those don’t get awarded to tourists.
If you’re just looking for a Samoan inspired tattoo in a different form.. Well it’s popularized and touristy either way. Probably someone who does hand poked tattoos on tourist, but I doubt they’ll be among the most traditional or respected artist.
Doesn’t really matter that you don’t think you’re using it as a souvenir, you’re still not Samoan or part of their culture, so.. It still is.
I’m not an expert on Samoan culture, I’ve just read quite a bit of anthropological research from the region and know some experts through academics, so it can all depend on the specific region and the traditions you come across of course, but I think either way, best case you’ll end up with some popularized tourist-adapted souvenir.
But there are some artist who specialize in Samoan tattoos, like here; https://www.facebook.com/SuluapeTatauMarksOfPolynesia/info
Attends different tattoo conventions etc and does adapted designs.
@Stollentroll 138873 wrote:
Yes, that’s what we’re looking for! I know that we don’t have to travel that far to get it tapped in – but we want it to be made by a Samoan… 🙂
So you are looking for a souvenir, How is it not?
*hm* I understand your objection, but for us it really isn’t a souvenir. We both want to know how it feels to be tattooed as it is made hundreds of years before: In a fale, using shark teeth, made by a tattooist who learned from his ancestors and can tell us the story about the “tatau”. It’s an experience we want to make. Maybe now you take my point!
@Stollentroll 138911 wrote:
*hm* I understand your objection, but for us it really isn’t a souvenir. We both want to know how it feels to be tattooed as it is made hundreds of years before: In a fale, using shark teeth, made by a tattooist who learned from his ancestors and can tell us the story about the “tatau”. It’s an experience we want to make. Maybe now you take my point!
I have no objection. If that is what you want then go for it. I just believe it fits the definition of a souvenir to a tee.
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