Faiva O Su'a – Otago Tatau
Published 17 September 2025
A historic event was run by the So'oula o Samoa community group and hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum from 3 June to 14 June. Faiva O Su'a – Otago Tatau 2025 involved a public lecture by Su'a Sulu'ape Peter as well as eight members of the Samoan community receiving their Pe'a (traditional Men's tattoo) or Malu (traditional women's tattoo) and many other members receiving tuālima tatau (women's hand tattoo) and taulima tatau (men's armband tattoo).
The event was formally opened with a mihi whakatau, followed by Lotu and 'Ava o le feiloaiga (prayer and an 'ava ceremony) and lunch. After lunch, Su'a Sulu'ape Peter delivered a historic, New Zealand-first public lecture and live demonstration of what is often a closed practice.
In his public lecture Su'a Sulu'ape Peter, a traditional Samoa tattooist or tufuga tā tātāu, shared his knowledge and experience of the indigenous practice, which has remained constant from its introduction to the present day, withstanding the pressures of colonisation and Western ideology's use of religion to control and banish traditional cultural practices. A descendant of the main tattooing family and the eldest son of Su'a Sulu'ape Alaiva'a Petelo, Su'a Sulu'ape Peter has followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and ancestors by continuing this traditional practice and caring for the art form bestowed upon his family. In addition to Su'a Sulu'ape Peter discussing the Pe'a and Malu traditional tattoos for both Samoan men and women, his "Meana'itaua" (wife of the tufuga tā tātāu) and "au koso" (vital helpers) expanded on their important roles in the tattooing process and held a live demonstration of a tuālima tatau.
Over the course of the next two weeks, one Pe'a was undertaken across multiple sessions alongside seven malu and many tuālima and taulima. Once complete, the Samaga (closing ceremony) was undertaken on Saturday 14 June to formalise the completion of the Pe'a and Malu and to lift the tapu. This was a momentous occasion where cultural traditions were celebrated. Pictured below are the eight recipients with the Tufuga and Meana'itaua, and the organising So'oula o Samoa committee with the Tufuga and Meana'itaua.
This event was by and for the Samoan community of Dunedin. It was a huge, historic success that will leave a lasting impact on those who were involved. Tūhura is humbled to have had the honour of hosting this special occasion and would like to thank So'oula o Samoa, Mercy Hospital Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, and Hāpai Hapori – Community Matters for their funding and support of the event.
Read more here: https://tpplus.co.nz/community/live-demonstration-of-traditional-samoa-tatau-at-otago-museum/ https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/tattoo-was-'extra-special'
