Blog — Samoan Mālōfie Motifs and Their Meanings

  The traditional Samoan tattoo, known as tatau, malofie, and colloquially as the pe’a, holds profound cultural and historical significance in Samoan society. The traditional female tattoo is known as the malu. Malofie is the respectful term (upu fa’aaloalo) for both tatau and malu, symbolising identity, heritage, and personal achievements in the Samoan culture. This traditional form of body art has been practised for centuries and continues to be a cherished part of Samoan heritage. The art of tatau is deeply rooted in Samoan mythology, social structure, and pre-colonial spirituality. According to legend, Taema and Tilafaiga, Siamese twin demigoddesses, brought...