I grew up in Mexico, and I peak two native language and Spanish. Sadly in Mexico when they ear you speak a native language they look down on you but here in the states are find people or “ Mexican American” more appropriately and respectful when they find out that I am native Mexican
Sulu’ape Si’i Liufau is my tufuga, and I’m proud to wear my Sāmoan malu tapped into my skin by his hands. And I grew up with Pate, so proud of both of them, in keeping our culture alive.
Polynesian art is so absolutely stunning! You can just FEEL the spirit of ancestry when you gaze upon the designs! So calming, and peaceful, and full of history. I am not Polynesian, but I think it would be so amazing to undergo that deeply cultural experience!! I am in awe.
For us Polys, we can tell by the design on a guy or girl in public or when you’re at the mall and stuff which tatau is from which ever Island - Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Maori and so on.
Slicker ThanYourAverage What’s your thoughts on a non-native having art like this on them? I have much respect for the culture and always wanted a Polynesian design but thought some might see it as disrespectful.
Bunker Sieben I appreciate the reply, was specifically looking for someone from the islands. I know different ethnic backgrounds look differently on it. 🤙🏼
I love this! Born and raised in Hawaii, now living in Utah, the love and passion for our culture is everywhere! These 3 legends of Polynesian tattooing are a big reason ppl love the culture. ALOHA!
I must say that is one of the coolest traditions and you learn so much about the poly culture. I have alot of respect for the tattoos it's not just ink. And no I won't be getting one cause it's not my family tradition but it is so cool. All I'll got was cook books handed down in my family.
im sure nobody would really mind you getting a tattoo. if you respect the culture and knows what it means im sure you could get one. its the same as, even though you might not be norwegian. us norwegians would have no problem with you getting a traditional norwegian/viking tattoo. just gotta be respectful.
Mad respect to all those involved in this film. Awesome job! HOWEVER, of all the tattooists interviewed, the most intelligent and well-spoken has to be Si'i Liufau. With all due respect, if you are going to be a master tattooist or a tatau, it is imperative that you also become well-versed in the knowledge and history of the tatau. Si'i does it best in this video! Fa'afetai tele lava.
I'm proud that we have also here in the Philippines a traditional Tattoo. The legendary Apo Whang od of one of the tribe in Kalinga. Shout to the Ink Master fan I'm a fan here at the Pjilippines.
My family is very religious, so when I told my parents that I was going to get a tattoo it kind of threw me out. But I went through it, and I'm getting my first one done next week. It's going to be a Celtic sleeve on my left arm. It's going to represent all the hardship and the struggles I've had to go through my whole entire life and so going through. Thanks have a great day guys.
@@LM-qv7cy you can be proud of your own culture but still like others... as a brit what traditional tattoo can i get? we dont have tattoo culture like that
@@LM-qv7cy lol, "culture vulture" is such a funny and retarded term, i hope you aren't wearing clothes that you didn't invent like jeans you culture vulture
Tattoo from my people ain't no joke it holds a deeper meaning then the future would understand, but the message from our ancestors will always be in body with our soul and our tradition as the people of the Sea and the people of Polynesia
Since I was young I have always wanted to move to new Zealand I was so interested in there culture even though I was from Namibia.... But my dream would one day come true and grow up learning the culture hope they welcome me
Come to New Zealand you will be welcomed with open arms. You come from a proud country full of amazing people and their own beautiful culture. All you need is love and respect. Kiaora! We love ya boy Israel Adesanya - we are proud to have him in our country.
@@mariaoliveira-ox7uu Yes 100%. Rotorua is one of the best places to do that with multiple cultural experiences available for tourists. "Haere mai" means you are welcome!
I love the designs and the styles. All the different meanings that each design has. One day I dream of getting one, but I want to learn the meaning before going to try to get one. I’m not Polynesian so I want to learn the culture a bit because I would not want to disrespect any culture if I got one. So definitely want to one day go to New Zealand, Samoa, and just the Hawaiian island to find the people behind the Polynesian tattoos to get a real tattoo with meaning.
In Tagalog its Tatak. It's practiced widely by all Austronesians from Taiwan to Madagascar to Rapa Nui. If you go to Taiwan they have a museum of people having tattoos under the lip similar to Maoris and I think it's the Saaroa tribe.
Got my sleeve done by Sulu’Ape Si’i at A-Town a few years ago. His work is second to none, huge ups to him man. His passion for his craft and keeping tradition is amazing
I'm From Puerto Rico I know what represents ur own tattoo culture I got tattoo the represent my Indian tainos and I proud from I came from and I glad the I went to Hawaii beautiful people and island...TATTOOS 4 LIFE
Sargent Ink Indians are from India 🇮🇳. I’m Puerto Rican also and Guatemalan . We are native people my guy learn your culture more and don’t call yourself Indian. That’s what the white man called people when coming . Yes your right about the Taino which are natives . Not indigenous or Indian. Natives . I’ve got my Mayan and Taino ink sleeves on my body. Know the culture my guy. Also know we are not Spanish / Spanish people come from Spain .
Not only is the word tattoo not only derived from Polynesia but one of the oldest tattoo kits found in the world was from Tonga .. it’s sad that due to western religion and European influences we lost a lot of our tattoo traditions of our ancestors but I’m so happy to see that there people who are still carrying it on.
That is the coolest! Carry on dudes. Us viking folk, we have the full sleeve like a totem. Every picture tells a story, just like you all. That's the way it should be.
I am Pictish, so Modern scotland. My ancestors were called the painted people. There isn't alot of information, but my ancestors were heavily tattooed, the romans were shocked when they saw the warriors, because they had never seen it before. I wish I knew what they put on them, but I have guessed by seeing very small amounts of evidence, and tattooed them on my face. Also rock carvings too. I am trying to revive my people's culture as well. Much love to yall
Proud to be a suga❤❤ i will be going to take my dad home to see family in samoa and receive my malu im excited something ive wanted for so long its nearly here.
i met ali pate fetuli back in santa maria california, took him to a local farmers market and we ate tri tip sandwiches, he is an amazing artist. very clean . cheers big Uso.
Was hoping to see Some work by Sampson Harp on this video , however seeing Mike on here was great too. Proud to be hawaiian and proud of polynesia stay solid!
That's awesome. I hope to do this one day I'm 26 percent Samoan and 2 percent Tongan 14% Scottish 5% Swedish and like 53% English. Just a mixed-up pup here stateside. I have drawn a lot of tattoos that I would like to get something that kind of form together for what I am
I have many polynesians, marquesan and samoan tatoo, the samoan has been made with and tapped way observing the tradition. I'm not polynesian but I really like the art and the meaning behind the tatau tradition...
Being Samoan, Tongan and Niue. I would love to get a tattoo the traditional Polynesian way. Not sure where to get it put on my body being that I am already covered in ink.
I think it's possible .. but it depends of the person who design yours.. if he's a real strict Polynesian he would maybe say no because the original ones are not mixed with any kind of tattoos but since we are really modern, I think most of them will say yes and .. they will just follow the client depending of what he wants and what kind of story he wants to tell 😏.
I’m not poly but I really want to get one at Polynesia. Just only to respect their culture by doing it the right way by getting a tattoo done in their tradition.
I hope they also feature Wang-Od. The oldest mambabatok here in the Philippines. Mambabatok is ancient way of tattooing in the highland part of the country.
No! The 2 women were SAMOAN demi-gods TAEMA and TILAFAIGA. The popular legend is that they swam from Fiji. The other legend that makes more sense is that they swam from FITI (a village named FITIUTA on the big Manu'a island of Ta'u), and brought the tatau (meant for the women) as a gift from the chiefs of Fitiuta. After nearly drowning from trying to catch a giant clam in their swim from Fitiuta, they became disoriented and mistaken the tatau for the women, and stated that it is intended for the men.
Wrong, and obviously, you do not know this history. The 2 women were not Fijian. There are different versions of this legend, but all the legends state that the twins, Taema & Tilafaiga, were Samoan..... SAMOAN NAMES.
One of my great grandmother has the Dopest tattoo from underneath her stomach till before it reaches her knee is what most who knew & saw it told me . It's our Fijian culture & it has its important values 🙂
Fijia, Samoans and Tongans were very connected from the past and therefore the 3 of them were deep with Tatau traditions and Samoa continued never stopped. tonga stopped, but now revived again. not sure about Fiji if they stopped or not.
@@meginna8354 the traditions, the customs and practices, the duties.. for e.g. in Samoan, in a formal setting when at an occasion at church - if your a chief and part of the formalities is to know and speak the origin of that churches beginning in Samoa.. in a Narrative form.. imagine weddings, funerals lol
As a Mexican American I'm always drawn to any natives who strive to keep traditions like this alive. Cheers brotha's & sister's 🤙
why don’t more mexicans speak mexican and not spanish - or are there ppl?
I grew up in Mexico, and I peak two native language and Spanish. Sadly in Mexico when they ear you speak a native language they look down on you but here in the states are find people or “ Mexican American” more appropriately and respectful when they find out that I am native Mexican
Totally agree . Our identity is the people we are
@@swaranbains8326 Mexican isn't a language. I believe you mean "Nahuatl"
The Aztecs & Mayans tattoos
I’m not Polynesian at all, but I appreciate the history. Much love ❤️🙏🏻
The History is Amazing
Im getting polynesian tattoo soon❤ i love this tribal form of design
@@HardylivesforeverYou better not show those around a Samoan or you're asking for trouble.
@@jumpers500 shutup kiddo
traditional tattos of any culture are the best
My mom is from Samoa, my dad is Native American. I am proud to say that my first (and only) tattoo was from the very talented Si’i Liufau.
That's awesome
Sulu’ape Si’i Liufau is my tufuga, and I’m proud to wear my Sāmoan malu tapped into my skin by his hands. And I grew up with Pate, so proud of both of them, in keeping our culture alive.
Polynesian art is so absolutely stunning! You can just FEEL the spirit of ancestry when you gaze upon the designs! So calming, and peaceful, and full of history. I am not Polynesian, but I think it would be so amazing to undergo that deeply cultural experience!! I am in awe.
For us Polys, we can tell by the design on a guy or girl in public or when you’re at the mall and stuff which tatau is from which ever Island - Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Maori and so on.
Nice fact! Thanks!
Yep
Slicker ThanYourAverage What’s your thoughts on a non-native having art like this on them? I have much respect for the culture and always wanted a Polynesian design but thought some might see it as disrespectful.
Its awesome!
Bunker Sieben I appreciate the reply, was specifically looking for someone from the islands. I know different ethnic backgrounds look differently on it. 🤙🏼
I love this! Born and raised in Hawaii, now living in Utah, the love and passion for our culture is everywhere! These 3 legends of Polynesian tattooing are a big reason ppl love the culture. ALOHA!
how can you leave hawai for utah
@@jandrex007 Cost of living
I'm very proud to say that sulu'ape Si'i Liufau has done all my tattoos.
Pretty gay thing to be proud of...
@@MrWackozacko why you hating? Bet you wouldn't say that in person...shit heads, smh...
My mom is Samoan and my dad Kenyan. I am learning both of my roots. To incorporate both of my cultures into my life
I must say that is one of the coolest traditions and you learn so much about the poly culture. I have alot of respect for the tattoos it's not just ink. And no I won't be getting one cause it's not my family tradition but it is so cool. All I'll got was cook books handed down in my family.
That humility alone is admirable
im sure nobody would really mind you getting a tattoo. if you respect the culture and knows what it means im sure you could get one. its the same as, even though you might not be norwegian. us norwegians would have no problem with you getting a traditional norwegian/viking tattoo. just gotta be respectful.
@@Wonkabonka no. do you have any , like any significance to the tatau ?
"this is some ancient shit" lmaooo
Mad respect to all those involved in this film. Awesome job! HOWEVER, of all the tattooists interviewed, the most intelligent and well-spoken has to be Si'i Liufau. With all due respect, if you are going to be a master tattooist or a tatau, it is imperative that you also become well-versed in the knowledge and history of the tatau. Si'i does it best in this video! Fa'afetai tele lava.
Gosh, those tattoos are beautiful 😍
The tattoo that you see around their waists has rules that you have to follow before taking it
I'm proud that we have also here in the Philippines a traditional Tattoo. The legendary Apo Whang od of one of the tribe in Kalinga. Shout to the Ink Master fan I'm a fan here at the Pjilippines.
Tagalog - Tatak
Samoan - Tatau
@@maoomaooo6100We're Pacific Island folks. And it shows as the deviations aren't too far off.
My family is very religious, so when I told my parents that I was going to get a tattoo it kind of threw me out. But I went through it, and I'm getting my first one done next week. It's going to be a Celtic sleeve on my left arm. It's going to represent all the hardship and the struggles I've had to go through my whole entire life and so going through. Thanks have a great day guys.
@@LM-qv7cy you can be proud of your own culture but still like others... as a brit what traditional tattoo can i get? we dont have tattoo culture like that
@@LM-qv7cy lol, "culture vulture" is such a funny and retarded term, i hope you aren't wearing clothes that you didn't invent like jeans you culture vulture
Tattoo from my people ain't no joke it holds a deeper meaning then the future would understand, but the message from our ancestors will always be in body with our soul and our tradition as the people of the Sea and the people of Polynesia
My turtle 🐢 is fading but the memory and reason I chose it will not ❤ Arrrrrr xxx
Finally some polynesian tattoo videos!!!! Forgot to mention the COOK ISLANDS😜 Much aroa kia manuia
The said NZ you lot are just Maori that got dropped off early lol
@@hellovanite Hhaha that's tru 💯🇨🇰🔥
Nah doks
Where’s all my Pacific Islanders at😍‼️
I'm Māori but new Zealand isn't considered a south pacific islander type of place but am I still aloud here pls
Dayton Bailey same idk if we considered Pacific Islanders even tho technically we are
@K O never said that Maori aren't polynesian I said we aren't considered islanders
Here
🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯
I just love Polynesian tattoos man ! So much meaning & finesse ! :)
I want to get a tattoo of every single culture under my right leg, with all of the tattoos connecting and developing into a story
Do it
" it was my first language " art is the best
Proud to be Polynesian Malo you guys remember were a minority so we need to be strong love and support each other!!
#TongaProud #Malo
best comment on this whole post
Since I was young I have always wanted to move to new Zealand I was so interested in there culture even though I was from Namibia....
But my dream would one day come true and grow up learning the culture hope they welcome me
Come! sweet as my cuz
Come to New Zealand you will be welcomed with open arms. You come from a proud country full of amazing people and their own beautiful culture. All you need is love and respect. Kiaora! We love ya boy Israel Adesanya - we are proud to have him in our country.
@@joeskienz Do people from New Zealand culture embrace foreigners who want to learn about the Maori culture? Cause I'd love to experience it
@@mariaoliveira-ox7uu Yes 100%. Rotorua is one of the best places to do that with multiple cultural experiences available for tourists. "Haere mai" means you are welcome!
@@joeskienz But is it an experience that is made for tourists or is it the real deal?
I love the designs and the styles. All the different meanings that each design has. One day I dream of getting one, but I want to learn the meaning before going to try to get one. I’m not Polynesian so I want to learn the culture a bit because I would not want to disrespect any culture if I got one. So definitely want to one day go to New Zealand, Samoa, and just the Hawaiian island to find the people behind the Polynesian tattoos to get a real tattoo with meaning.
Chur. What's up my Nesian people. Kiaora from New Zealand.
Uchiha Hikaku churrrr
@@csophiv7606 lawlll small world
Kiaora
Chur bruv, from your brothers across the pond.
Aussie Aussie Aussie
Ka Pai
2:07 Cook got the word 'Tattoo' from his voyages in Tahiti. Though the word actually originates from the Tongan 'Tātatau' and Sāmoan 'Tatau'.
Lol.. Tattoo-tatau..tatatau??...
In Tagalog its Tatak. It's practiced widely by all Austronesians from Taiwan to Madagascar to Rapa Nui. If you go to Taiwan they have a museum of people having tattoos under the lip similar to Maoris and I think it's the Saaroa tribe.
So AMAZING! The history...the Culture! 🖤 I love it!
Got my sleeve done by Sulu’Ape Si’i at A-Town a few years ago. His work is second to none, huge ups to him man. His passion for his craft and keeping tradition is amazing
I'm austronesian and I love polynesian tattoos
maori and japanese tattoos are my favourite
Beautiful work.
I'm From Puerto Rico I know what represents ur own tattoo culture I got tattoo the represent my Indian tainos and I proud from I came from and I glad the I went to Hawaii beautiful people and island...TATTOOS 4 LIFE
Sargent Ink Indians are from India 🇮🇳.
I’m Puerto Rican also and Guatemalan .
We are native people my guy learn your culture more and don’t call yourself Indian. That’s what the white man called people when coming .
Yes your right about the Taino which are natives .
Not indigenous or Indian.
Natives .
I’ve got my Mayan and Taino ink sleeves on my body.
Know the culture my guy.
Also know we are not Spanish / Spanish people come from Spain .
I mean what about your African side 🤔🤔
Not only is the word tattoo not only derived from Polynesia but one of the oldest tattoo kits found in the world was from Tonga .. it’s sad that due to western religion and European influences we lost a lot of our tattoo traditions of our ancestors but I’m so happy to see that there people who are still carrying it on.
That is the coolest!
Carry on dudes. Us viking folk, we have the full sleeve like a totem. Every picture tells a story, just like you all. That's the way it should be.
Much love to the Polynesian brothers!!!
I am Pictish, so Modern scotland. My ancestors were called the painted people. There isn't alot of information, but my ancestors were heavily tattooed, the romans were shocked when they saw the warriors, because they had never seen it before. I wish I knew what they put on them, but I have guessed by seeing very small amounts of evidence, and tattooed them on my face. Also rock carvings too.
I am trying to revive my people's culture as well. Much love to yall
Respect to y’all culture.
The tattoos, piercings, jewelry, beeds, projections, or and showings are great yeah
full of details...amazing
Hi I have never liked Tattoos at all then I saw these and they are so meaningful and beautiful
A-Town Tattoo! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Yesssshhha this is why I want my son to change his art to his culture in tattoo work❤
Proud to be a suga❤❤ i will be going to take my dad home to see family in samoa
and receive my malu im excited something ive wanted for so long its nearly here.
SAMOA & MAORI's historical & traditional tattoo prints, its originality of darken lines and designs.
"Imitation is The sincerest form of flattery".
Great people's , love the art nd the history of Polynesian tattoo
Respect 💝
i met ali pate fetuli back in santa maria california, took him to a local farmers market and we ate tri tip sandwiches, he is an amazing artist. very clean . cheers big Uso.
I love and respect their coach 🤙🏽
Was hoping to see Some work by Sampson Harp on this video , however seeing Mike on here was great too. Proud to be hawaiian and proud of polynesia stay solid!
BIG UP to A-TOWN TATTOO...malo lava le galue!
Absolutely stunning.
West Coast Ink🤙🏽
Man I wish I had polynesian ancestors because those tattoos are absolutely beautiful
Will Calkins u can still get them
@@Pluutoh I mean yeah but I feel like if you are not apart of that culture its frowned upon
Will Calkins nah there’s always gona be haters but some see it as a sign of respect.
One of your ancestors may have traveled to the South Pacific in the 1800s, for there are some Polynesians who have other ethnicity within them🙏🙏🙏
This video was deep. I just learned alot.
That's awesome. I hope to do this one day I'm 26 percent Samoan and 2 percent Tongan 14% Scottish 5% Swedish and like 53% English. Just a mixed-up pup here stateside. I have drawn a lot of tattoos that I would like to get something that kind of form together for what I am
I love tribal tats man tribal tats are a work of art
No mention of the marquesas islands? Many beautiful pieces of work are from there.
I really love polynesian / maori tattoo ! 😍
The datail is insane big love to the islanders...
Beautiful! So dope!
yes brutha shot for throwing new zealand in there
BLESS THIS CULTURAL LIFE FOREVER ! 🙏🤙👌
Beautiful!!
I’m Tahitian Amd I love these guys story. Especially at the end. Beutifull tane🤙🏻🌺🙏🏻
I have many polynesians, marquesan and samoan tatoo, the samoan has been made with and tapped way observing the tradition. I'm not polynesian but I really like the art and the meaning behind the tatau tradition...
Being Samoan, Tongan and Niue. I would love to get a tattoo the traditional Polynesian way. Not sure where to get it put on my body being that I am already covered in ink.
Im Melanesian but I loved Polynesian😁😘
Hey i have a question
Is Polynesian Tattoo can combined with a Blackwork art?
I think it's possible .. but it depends of the person who design yours.. if he's a real strict Polynesian he would maybe say no because the original ones are not mixed with any kind of tattoos but since we are really modern, I think most of them will say yes and .. they will just follow the client depending of what he wants and what kind of story he wants to tell 😏.
I’m not poly but I really want to get one at Polynesia. Just only to respect their culture by doing it the right way by getting a tattoo done in their tradition.
This is awesome 🔥
I hope they also feature Wang-Od. The oldest mambabatok here in the Philippines. Mambabatok is ancient way of tattooing in the highland part of the country.
Malo usos. Keep up the good work.
OMG such respect for this..... wowww👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Tattoos been big part of my life since 2006
I love my culture, proud to be a Uce/Hawaiian... the original tattau came from two Fijian women if I’m correct
No! The 2 women were SAMOAN demi-gods TAEMA and TILAFAIGA. The popular legend is that they swam from Fiji. The other legend that makes more sense is that they swam from FITI (a village named FITIUTA on the big Manu'a island of Ta'u), and brought the tatau (meant for the women) as a gift from the chiefs of Fitiuta. After nearly drowning from trying to catch a giant clam in their swim from Fitiuta, they became disoriented and mistaken the tatau for the women, and stated that it is intended for the men.
ChoccoLot thanks Uce for the real story
All good my Uso- happy to hear people taking pride in our culture!
Tattoo is Fijian in origin not samon they adopted it as samon culture because of 2 Fijian women who are twins.
Wrong, and obviously, you do not know this history. The 2 women were not Fijian. There are different versions of this legend, but all the legends state that the twins, Taema & Tilafaiga, were Samoan..... SAMOAN NAMES.
One of my great grandmother has the Dopest tattoo from underneath her stomach till before it reaches her knee is what most who knew & saw it told me . It's our Fijian culture & it has its important values 🙂
Babe are u afakasi stop lying
An that ink is black 🤣
Fijia, Samoans and Tongans were very connected from the past and therefore the 3 of them were deep with Tatau traditions and Samoa continued never stopped. tonga stopped, but now revived again. not sure about Fiji if they stopped or not.
This is amazing thanks for this story 🙏🥂😘
this is beautiful
I would love to know more about my culture. I'm half Polynesian and I barely know anything right now
Never too late to start buddy
honestly, what would there be to know aside from the language?
@@meginna8354 the traditions, the customs and practices, the duties.. for e.g. in Samoan, in a formal setting when at an occasion at church - if your a chief and part of the formalities is to know and speak the origin of that churches beginning in Samoa.. in a Narrative form.. imagine weddings, funerals lol
Pretty!
Wow what an inspiring video🙌many Thanks for sharing it🖤
I love that!
Aulelei ❤️
Inspiring video! Ancient cultures are so magical.
4:54 I wonder if that is Kava!
I love it
I would like to hook up with you guys to do a tatau traditional way.. I'm Hawaiian, Tahitian and Samoan...hopefully u guys get dis...
Dustin Mapuhi A town tattoo in garden grove ca
this is sooooo cool
Here in Indonesia we have 2 tribes Dayak and Mentawai who have tattoo culture one of the old tattoo in the world
So beautiful
Where can i watch the reportage ?
Too cool.
Awesome art form
Tattooing is older than Christianity. Respect it’s history.
GENTE che Riempiranno ( INFERNO) non ce più schifoso di questi soggetti!!!!!.
I’ve no idea what that say ?
I love Polynesian tattoos! They are so intricate - and remind me of intricate Ukrainian Easter egg designs!
I think it's beautiful.
Rich in art and culture !
Question is it painful coz I really want one
I love this
And Tahitian islands! Maruru!