Portfolio Week One

"Tatau"

An artist book that I decided to write about is called "Tatau." Tatau is a book that is based on the traditional Samoan tattoo designs, the ones that are worthy of having it and the artists that create that body art master pieces. The photographs in the book are taken by Mark Adams, the essays in the book were written by Sean Mallon, Peter Brunt and Nicholas Thomas. One of the main well known artist in the book is Sulu'ape Paulo II who is the pre-eminent figure of modern Samoan Tattooing. The images are photos that Mark Adams photographed while the tattoo artist would go to work or of the Samoan people exposing their tattoos so people can see the importance of the traditional tattoos. I believe that this book is important for the upcoming Samoan tattoo artists because this book explains just how important the tattoos are for not only the Samoan men but the Samoan women as well.

 The Sogaimiti is the traditional tattoos that the Samoan chiefs are blessed with. I say blessed with because it is a blessing to be able to receive such a tattoo which is why it is disrespectful to show it off in a way that's not acceptable. This also goes for all of the women who want to get a Malu or already have one. People in this generation now get the tattoos done just for public presentation but don't take the time to find out the meaning behind the tattoos that they receive. The Malu is a tattoo for the Samoan women that represents them as a protector of not only their family but their village as well. In the Samoan tradition family, religion and the place where your family is from are the most important qualities there are. Which is why every person that receives a Malu or a Sogaimiti should be respectful and keep it covered, the only time that it is acceptable is during the traditional Samoan where it is required to show your skin. I believe that this book explains the importance of all of that which is why I decided to write about this book for my Portfolio Blog.