My Own Symbol/Tattoo

Lately in extension, we've been learning about symbolism, meanings, and the Samoan Tatau or as some people know it as the Pe'a. After researching and learning a lot about symbolism etc we were then given a mini project, to create/design our own tattoo's. One would symbolise any one part of our culture or heritage and the other had to represent ourselves. 

ME:

As you can see I've drawn five heads, representing Mark ( my dad), Mena (my mum), Kane and Caleb (my two older brothers), and last but not least me. The reason on why I've drawn them is because to me family is everything, it means the world to me, and it's something that is very close to my heart.

Then above my family I've drawn 2 kilikiti (cricket) bats that are meant to represent my Grandfather, Falana’ipupu Sola Mefiposeta Maea Tele'a. I chose to use the Kilikiti bats as a symbol for my grandfather because Samoan Cricket was his passion, coming in 2nd equal with Church and always having family 1st. It wasn't something that he enjoyed on his own, he'd always get the whole family involved, making my brothers and cousins learn the proper way on how to make a kilikiti bat. And the reason I put them above my family because the bats are meant to be protecting our family like a shield, constantly watching over us.

MY CULTURE:

First of all as you can see I've drawn an Island, which is meant to represent the wonderful Islands of Samoa. Mainly because I'm 3/4 samoan, from both my Mum and Dad.

Then I've drawn the Irish Clover or as most people know it as, a Shamrock. Its meant to represent my Irish side,from my Mum's dad whom was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. Sadly I’ve never really acknowledged being part Irish, mostly because I grew up with only 1 grandfather who was part Samoan, German. After realising and finding out a lot more about my culture I now that I should be proud of being Samoan and Irish because it’s who I am.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion I’ve learnt that before getting a tattoo it’s something to really think about, because it’s permanent, and its something you don’t want to jump to conclusions because it maybe something you’ll regret. I’ve also learnt that not all people get tattoos for cosmetic reasons, they mainly get them to either have a constant reminder of something or someone that’s very close to their heart.

The Samoan Pe'a - Mr.Tele'a

Lately in extension, we've been learning about symbols, the meanings behind tattoo's, and the Samoan Tatau or as most people know it as the Pe'a. While we were learning about symbolism and the Samoan Tatau, I realised that most tattoos aren't just for cosmetic reasons. Most are to have a constant reminder of a loved one.

After researching and finding out on what a Tatau is we were then lucky enough to have Mr.Tele'a come in and show us his very own. We asked him several questions relating to his Pe'a. He explained what the Pe'a meant to him, how unbearable the pain was, the meaning behind it, and how long it took to complete. 

During his long and painful process Mr.Tele'a said that his parents took a big part of this. He explained that when he considered getting the Tatau his parents were very proud. He also said that the reason on why he got his Pe'a was because his older brother asked him to be his So'a (partner), and because he had already been thinking about it that made up his mind.

 One of the parts in the Pe'a that we had a look at was The Va'a. It's a 20 - 30cm black strip across the back of the body ending near the front of the armpits with two sharp arrow heads. The two long black strips are meant to represent family, and the sharp arrow heads representing protection. 

We were then given a mini project, to create/design our own tattoo's. One would symbolise any one part of our culture or heritage and the other had to represent ourselves. Right now, I'm currently designing my tattoo's and finding out a little bit more on what designs I can incorporate into my design.