Story: Samoans

Woman's tattoo (2nd of 2)

Woman's tattoo

Samoan women are tattooed from the knee to the top of the thigh. As can be seen in Greg Semu’s 1994 photograph, a woman’s pe‘a tattoo (sometimes called a malu) is less elaborate than the male pe‘a.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Photograph by Greg Semu, 1994

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Lupematasila Melani Anae, 'Samoans - Culture and identity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1572/womans-tattoo (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 7 Sep 2022 with assistance from  Lupematasila Melani Anae