Samoan Tatau: A holistic process of traditional cultural tattooing
| Wednesday, August 26, 2026 |
| 12:10 PM - 12:25 PM |
| Tāwhirimātea 1 |
Overview
Saunima'a Josephine Sasa
Speaker
Josephine Sasa
Nurse Lecturer
Whitireia Weltec
Samoan Tatau: A holistic process of traditional cultural tattooing
Abstract
he purpose of my Masters thesis was to explore the health and hygiene practices and standards of the traditional practice of tāga tatau in New Zealand. Aotearoa-based Tufuga Tā Tatau (traditional Samoan tattooists) and pe’a and malu living here were interviewed for this study.
This research was carried out from the perspective of a Samoan, New Zealand born – trained tausi soifua (nurse) and a tama’ita’i Samoa clothed with the malu (female traditional tattoo). Also, having worked closely with Tufuga Tā Tatau and toso (stretchers) for ten years, I have assisted with the
infection, control and health and hygiene standards of their work.
The overall aims and objectives were to look at the health and hygiene standards that minimise harm from a Western and Samoan view. The intention of this research was to look at ways to ensure that the traditional practice continues to be practiced safely, in Aotearoa. This study was carried out using the Talanoa method (Vaoleti, 2006) underpinned by the indigenous Samoan concept of le vā (Anae, 2010). The research methodology used is the Samoan concept of teu le vā and tausi le vā
(Anae, 2010) which are crucial during the tatau process and to establish and maintain reciprocal relationships between the researcher and the research recipients, especially the Tufuga. Some key findings from the study identified that the City Council Bylaw for traditional tattooing is a Western approach that is very narrow and mainly looks at the physical aspect of cleaning and sterilising the workspace and tattooing instruments.
Although infection control and hygiene standards are important to reduce the risk of bloodborne disease or illness the standards do not consider the importance of the Samoan cultural values, our Fa’asamoa and Aganu’u that are an integral part of ensuring the health and safety of the Tufuga and everyone involved in the tatau process until the clients are fully healed.
The findings from Tufuga and participants revealed the importance of the Samoan cultural beliefs and values is essential throughout the tatau process highlighting the importance of a holistic process for taga tatau. The implications of this study are intended to improve the safe practice of tāga tatau in Aotearoa using a holistic approach and the opportunity to do more research in this area.
This research was carried out from the perspective of a Samoan, New Zealand born – trained tausi soifua (nurse) and a tama’ita’i Samoa clothed with the malu (female traditional tattoo). Also, having worked closely with Tufuga Tā Tatau and toso (stretchers) for ten years, I have assisted with the
infection, control and health and hygiene standards of their work.
The overall aims and objectives were to look at the health and hygiene standards that minimise harm from a Western and Samoan view. The intention of this research was to look at ways to ensure that the traditional practice continues to be practiced safely, in Aotearoa. This study was carried out using the Talanoa method (Vaoleti, 2006) underpinned by the indigenous Samoan concept of le vā (Anae, 2010). The research methodology used is the Samoan concept of teu le vā and tausi le vā
(Anae, 2010) which are crucial during the tatau process and to establish and maintain reciprocal relationships between the researcher and the research recipients, especially the Tufuga. Some key findings from the study identified that the City Council Bylaw for traditional tattooing is a Western approach that is very narrow and mainly looks at the physical aspect of cleaning and sterilising the workspace and tattooing instruments.
Although infection control and hygiene standards are important to reduce the risk of bloodborne disease or illness the standards do not consider the importance of the Samoan cultural values, our Fa’asamoa and Aganu’u that are an integral part of ensuring the health and safety of the Tufuga and everyone involved in the tatau process until the clients are fully healed.
The findings from Tufuga and participants revealed the importance of the Samoan cultural beliefs and values is essential throughout the tatau process highlighting the importance of a holistic process for taga tatau. The implications of this study are intended to improve the safe practice of tāga tatau in Aotearoa using a holistic approach and the opportunity to do more research in this area.
Biography
Kia ora. Talofa lava. My name is Saunima’a Josephine Sasa and I hail
from the villages of Falefā, Tufuiopa - Apia and Papa, Sataua, Savaii,
Samoa. I am a proud tama’ita’i Samoa, born and raised in
Wellington. I have been a NZ Registered nurse for over 25 years and
currently an Occupational Health Nurse and Senior Nurse Lecturer. I
graduated with a Masters of Professional Practice (Leadership)
through the ANIVA scholarship programme. My Master’s thesis
looks at a holistic process of tāga tatau (the practice of Samoan
traditional tattooing) to ensure tatau continues to be practiced safely
in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
