Tatau: Marks of Polynesia

Discover the 2,000-year-old indigenous tradition of tatau, one of the world’s most iconic living tattoo practices. Central to Samoan culture, this art form has withstood attempts at eradication, thriving as a powerful symbol of identity and heritage. For young Samoan men, receiving a tatau is a revered rite of passage, guided by tufuga tā tatau—master tattoo artists held in the highest esteem.

The Artists:

Among the artists featured in Tatau are Su‘a Sulu‘ape Alaiva‘a Petelo, Su‘a Sulu‘ape Peter, Su‘a Sulu‘ape Paul Jr., Su‘a Sulu‘ape Aisea Toetu‘u, Sulu‘ape Steve Looney, Tuigamala Andy Tauafiafi, Mike Fatutoa, and Sulu‘ape Si‘i Liufau. An essential focus of the exhibition is the influential Sulu‘ape family and their disciples; the legendary Petelo Sulu‘ape and his deceased brother Paulo are credited with spurring the resurgence of Samoan tattoos worldwide. Additional photographs taken in New Zealand, Hawai‘i, California, and Nevada demonstrate the spread of the art form outside of Samoa and some of its newer interpretations. 

The Organizers:

Tatau is organized by the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) and curated by Takahiro “Ryudaibori” Kitamura, the master tattoo artist and author who previously curated the successful exhibition Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World for JANM in 2014. Kitamura is collaborating with John Agcaoili, photographer; Sulu‘ape Steve Looney and Danielle Steffany-Looney of Pacific Soul Tattoo in Hawai‘i; Sean Mallon, author and Senior Curator of Pacific Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; and Sulu‘ape Si‘i Liufau of A-Town Tattoo.

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