A history on the tatau Samoa, through the Malofie Exhibition 2023 hosted by master tattooist, Su’a Suluape Alaivaa Petelo presented a learning opportunity for students from different schools.

A live tattoo session took place at the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Fale for students in Year 12 and the demonstration of the samaga ceremony or the completion of the tatau.

Su’a said this exhibition was an opportunity for the students to learn about the correct history of the tatau Samoa after noticing the number of students that visited him for their school assignments.

“I was watching the TV2 station the other day and I noticed how so much information on the tatau has changed and incorrectly presented for children nowadays,” he said.

“I am not worried about the older generation but I am more worried for the younger generation who are listening to the incorrect history and information being shared around, so we planned this exhibition just for that reason. 

"We invited many schools to join in on today’s session for students who are hungry for knowledge that is part of Samoa’s culture.

“This is all for their future so that they can spread the correct history around the tatau to their friends and families.” 

He fears that as Samoa continues to develop, people will try to change the history and message around the art of the tatau.

Uati Junior Malama is a Year 12 student at Nuuausala College and is grateful for the opportunity to watch a live tatau session and learn from the master tattooist himself.

“This is great that they can invite many schools all for the purpose of understanding the art and its significance to me as a Samoan. This is a gift for us Samoans,” he said.

“Being a traditional Samoan tattooist isn’t an easy job and being able to watch them tattoo live gives us first-hand knowledge of the meaning behind certain words and designs, the procedures and skill needed for the job. What we learn here today will stick with us until we grow older and we can share with others what we know from Su’a.”