200+ Powerful Samoan Tattoos Ideas (2024)

Samoan tattoos have a long and meaningful history, dating back to over 2000 years ago. These tattoos are often seen as symbols of warrior spirit and bravery.

People of Smaoan heritage (like Dwayne The Rock Johnson) use these designs to commemorate important life events.

Traditional Samoan tattoo designs feature geometric patterns in black ink, although modern versions can also include a range of colors.

Samoan Tattoo Ideas

If you are looking for an enduring way to express yourself, Samoan tattoos are a meaningful and powerful option. The beauty of these tattoos is that these designs can tell your story beautifully and uniquely (remember Maui from Moana?).

Here are some popular designs that are found in Samoan tattoos –

1. Teuila (Flower) – A symbol of love, beauty, and new beginnings.

2. Uenuenue (Rainbow) – Representing the journey between birth and death, this design signifies hope for those seeking guidance on their path through life.

3. Pe’a (Male Tattoo) – One of the most important tattoos in Samoan culture, pe’a is reserved for men and covers their legs and lower torso. This design features complex geometric shapes and symbols such as a turtle, which represents strength and courage.

4. Malu (Female Tattoo) – A female counterpart to pe’a, malu covers the arms, hands, and upper body. This is an elegant flower-shaped design that symbolizes femininity and grace. It is often accompanied by two concentric circles which represent eternity.

5. Tanoa (Canoe Prow) – Representing travel and exploration, this design is symbolic of voyages both physical and spiritual.

6. Uliuli or Māfaele (Sea Turtle) – Symbolizing longevity and wisdom, this design often includes an additional wave pattern to represent eternal life.

7. Tangata Fue (Bird Man) – Commonly found on men’s chests, this design symbolizes courage and strength.

8. Toa (Warrior) – Representing the power of the warrior spirit, this tattoo is given to those who have completed a rigorous physical challenge.

9. Tuiga (Ceremonial Headdress) – A powerful sign of high rank, tuiga tattoos are often found on the foreheads or above the eyebrows of Samoan chiefs.

10. Ulaula (Mask) – Symbolizing protection from evil spirits, this design can also represent one’s connection to their ancestors.

11. Siapo Mālō (Tapa Cloth) – An intricate weaving pattern used to decorate tapa cloth, siapo mālō tattoos convey a message of strength and resilience.

12. Sina (Coconut Tree) – This design symbolizes unity and family, representing the importance of community in Samoan culture.

13. Ulumaevae (Sea Urchin) – A reminder to stay grounded, this tattoo features five points that represent the wisdom of nature and its connection to humanity.

14. Ulufale (Shark Tooth) – This represents courage, protection, and respect for ancestors who have passed on knowledge through generations.

15. Paoa (Plant) – Representing new beginnings, this design is a reminder that life is constantly evolving and changing for the better.

16. The Soga’i Moli – This represents bravery in battle and consists of three parallel arrows.

17. The Tafaifai – This tattoo consists of multiple intersecting lines, which represent the interconnectedness of all things in life.

18. The Aumaga – This symbolizes service to the community and is made up of a series of dots that form a fish or whale shape.

19. The Tanoa – Representing fertility and abundance, this design features two hands holding a bowl filled with fruits and vegetables.

20. The Tatau Sulufou – This refers to a geometric pattern that can be used to represent protection from harm or bad luck.

21. The Uliuli – Featuring circles connected by spirals, this design symbolizes growth and evolution.

22. The Manaia – This design is meant to represent a guardian spirit or guide, and is often depicted with the head of a bird, the body of a man, and the tail of a fish.

23. The Palemene – This tattoo symbolizes faith and spirituality and consists of five circles connected by spirals or hands.

Samoan Tattoos Meanings and Symbolisms

In Samoa, tattoos are known as “Pe’a” and have been used for centuries.

They are a form of marking that is both spiritual And decorative. Traditionally, only men were allowed to receive tattoos but this practice has changed in recent years with women being able to get them as well.

The meanings behind Samoan tattoos vary greatly depending on the design chosen by the individual.

Some of these designs include symbols from nature such as turtles or fish or even dragons, which represent strength and protection; while others may be more abstract patterns that signify success or prosperity.

Many Samoans also choose to tattoo their family crest on their bodies to show loyalty and pride in their heritage.

While Samoan tattoos are said to be chosen by people belonging to the Polynesian tribes but this is not entirely true.

Yes, Samoan people use them as a way to reclaim their cultural identity but you too can get them inked on your body as a way to express your connection to the Samoan people.

In the ancient Polynesian tribes, tattoos were seen as an important rite of passage that signified adulthood and marked one’s transition into society.

This is still very much true today, with many adults getting them as a reminder of their culture and heritage or as a way to show off their unique style.

Samoan men and women wear their tattoos with great pride and honor.

Pe’a tattoos are typically made up of geometric shapes that have special meanings such as circles symbolizing protection or rectangles representing longevity.

Traditionally these designs were done by hand using tools like boars teeth and sharpened sticks to create the lines, today they can be applied with modern tattoo machines.

Though not all Samoans have tattoos, those that do take great care to ensure the designs are done correctly and accorded proper respect.

The symbolism behind the pe’a styling is deeply embedded into the culture and provides a lasting reminder of the importance of family and community to Samoan society. By having a pe’a, individuals become part of the larger story and history that continues to be shared, passed down, and celebrated throughout Samoa.

Roman Reigns Samoan Tattoo Design

Samoan Tattoos 1
Samoan Tattoos 1
Samoan Tattoos 2
Samoan Tattoos 2
Samoan Tattoos 3
Samoan Tattoos 3
Samoan Tattoos 4
Samoan Tattoos 4
Samoan Tattoos 5
Samoan Tattoos 5
Samoan Tattoos 6

Full Sleeve Samoan tattoo Design

Also Read Devil Tattoos

Samoan Tattoos 6
Samoan Tattoos 7
Samoan Tattoos 7
Samoan Tattoos 8
Samoan Tattoos 8
Samoan Tattoos 9
Samoan Tattoos 9
Samoan Tattoos 10
Samoan Tattoos 10
Samoan Tattoos 11
Samoan Tattoos 12
Samoan Tattoos 13
Samoan Tattoos 14
Samoan Tattoos 15
Samoan Tattoos 16
Samoan Tattoos 17
Samoan Tattoos 18
Samoan Tattoos 19
Samoan Tattoos 20
Samoan Tattoos 21
Samoan Tattoos 22
Samoan Tattoos 23
Samoan Tattoos 24
Samoan Tattoos 25
Samoan Tattoos 26
Samoan Tattoos 27
Samoan Tattoos 28
Samoan Tattoos 29
Samoan Tattoos 30
Samoan Tattoos 31
Samoan Tattoos 32
Samoan Tattoos 33
Samoan Tattoos 34
Samoan Tattoos 35
Samoan Tattoos 36
Samoan Tattoos 37
Samoan Tattoos 38
Samoan Tattoos 39
Samoan Tattoos 40
Samoan Tattoos 41
Samoan Tattoos 42
Samoan Tattoos 43
Samoan Tattoos 44
Samoan Tattoos 45
Samoan Tattoos 46
Samoan Tattoos 47
Samoan Tattoos 48
Samoan Tattoos 49
Samoan Tattoos 50
Samoan Tattoos 51
Samoan Tattoos 52
Samoan Tattoos 53
Samoan Tattoos 54
Samoan Tattoos 55
Samoan Tattoos 56
Samoan Tattoos 57
Samoan Tattoos 58
Samoan Tattoos 59
Samoan Tattoos 60
Samoan Tattoos 61
Samoan Tattoos 62
Samoan Tattoos 63
Samoan Tattoos 64
Samoan Tattoos 65

Shoulder Blade Samoan Tattoo Design

Samoan Tattoos 66
Samoan Tattoos 67
Samoan Tattoos 68
Samoan Tattoos 69
Samoan Tattoos 70
Samoan Tattoos 71
Samoan Tattoos 72
Samoan Tattoos 73
Samoan Tattoos 74
Samoan Tattoos 75
Samoan Tattoos 76
Samoan Tattoos 77
Samoan Tattoos 78
Samoan Tattoos 79
Samoan Tattoos 80
Samoan Tattoos 81
Samoan Tattoos 82
Samoan Tattoos 83
Samoan Tattoos 84
Samoan Tattoos 85
Samoan Tattoos 86
Samoan Tattoos 87
Samoan Tattoos 88
Samoan Tattoos 89
Samoan Tattoos 90
Samoan Tattoos 91
Samoan Tattoos 92
Samoan Tattoos 93
Samoan Tattoos 94
Samoan Tattoos 95
Samoan Tattoos 96
Samoan Tattoos 97
Samoan Tattoos 98
Samoan Tattoos 99
Samoan Tattoos 100
Samoan Tattoos 101
Samoan Tattoos 102
Samoan Tattoos 103
Samoan Tattoos 104
Samoan Tattoos 105
Samoan Tattoos 106
Samoan Tattoos 107
Samoan Tattoos 108
Samoan Tattoos 109
Samoan Tattoos 110
Samoan Tattoos 111
Samoan Tattoos 112
Samoan Tattoos 113
Samoan Tattoos 114
Samoan Tattoos 115
Samoan Tattoos 116
Samoan Tattoos 117
Samoan Tattoos 118
Samoan Tattoos 119

Polynesian Style Samoan tattoo on Forearm

Samoan Tattoos 120
Samoan Tattoos 121
Samoan Tattoos 122
Samoan Tattoos 123
Samoan Tattoos 124
Samoan Tattoos 125
Samoan Tattoos 126
Samoan Tattoos 127
Samoan Tattoos 128
Samoan Tattoos 129
Samoan Tattoos 130
Samoan Tattoos 131
Samoan Tattoos 132
Samoan Tattoos 133
Samoan Tattoos 134
Samoan Tattoos 135
Samoan Tattoos 136
Samoan Tattoos 137
Samoan Tattoos 138
Samoan Tattoos 139
Samoan Tattoos 140
Samoan Tattoos 141
Samoan Tattoos 142
Samoan Tattoos 143
Samoan Tattoos 144
Samoan Tattoos 145
Samoan Tattoos 146
Samoan Tattoos 147
Samoan Tattoos 148
Samoan Tattoos 149
Samoan Tattoos 150
Samoan Tattoos 151
Samoan Tattoos 152
Samoan Tattoos 153
Samoan Tattoos 154
Samoan Tattoos 155
Samoan Tattoos 156
Samoan Tattoos 157
Samoan Tattoos 158
Samoan Tattoos 159
Samoan Tattoos 160
Samoan Tattoos 161
Samoan Tattoos 162

Samoan Tattoo Design For Women

Samoan Tattoos 163
Samoan Tattoos 164
Samoan Tattoos 165
Samoan Tattoos 166
Samoan Tattoos 167
Samoan Tattoos 168
Samoan Tattoos 169
Samoan Tattoos 170
Samoan Tattoos 171
Samoan Tattoos 172
Samoan Tattoos 173
Samoan Tattoos 174
Samoan Tattoos 175
Samoan Tattoos 176
Samoan Tattoos 177
Samoan Tattoos 178
Samoan Tattoos 179
Samoan Tattoos 180
Samoan Tattoos 181
Samoan Tattoos 182
Samoan Tattoos 183
Samoan Tattoos 184
Samoan Tattoos 185
Samoan Tattoos 186
Samoan Tattoos 187
Samoan Tattoos 188
Samoan Tattoos 189
Samoan Tattoos 190
Samoan Tattoos 191
Samoan Tattoos 192
Samoan Tattoos 193
Samoan Tattoos 194

Conclusion

If you are lucky enough to receive a Samoan tattoo, it will always remain with you as an everlasting symbol of strength, courage, respect, and honor. The stories behind these traditional designs tell us how much they mean to those wearing them- and how they continue to serve as powerful reminders of our cultural heritage.

References: Samoa Wiki