A Sāmoan tatau ‘mess’ puts cultural practice under the spotlight

Controversy over poorly executed Sāmoan tattoos has ignited heated debate, as images of unfinished and uneven tatau circulate rapidly within Sāmoan communities.

Stella Mareko Taupau-Palea of Tulouena Mareko Tatau shared images online, alleging that tufuga (tattooist) Aukuso Silao Ah Ken’s tattooing discredits the art of Sāmoan tatau.

“This isn’t the first time we [Tulouena Mareko Tatau] have been asked to complete and fix your mess... this is making all tufuga look bad. My advice is to leave tattooing if you can’t do it properly.”

Taupau-Palea referred to a brother and sister tattooed in Sāmoa by Ah Ken, alleging their traditional la’ei (clothing) was done poorly, without proper technique or respect for the work of a tufuga.

According to Taupau-Palea, the siblings also endured major health issues and needed two years to fully heal.

Health experts warn such cases highlight more than artistic failure, they underscore the serious risks of infection linked to poor hygiene in tattooing.

Both New Zealand and Sāmoan health authorities created guidelines for tattooing, with special focus on both traditional and modern tattooing practices.

The guidelines outline strict standards: tufuga should use sterile equipment, gloves, clean premises, and ensure the safe disposal of waste to prevent the spread of blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and staph infections.

Those receiving tattoos are also urged to be fully vaccinated, maintain good nutrition, and carefully choose their tufuga.

Taupau-Palea says this isn't the first time Tulou'ena Mareko Tatau has had to 'fix' the mess left by Aukuso Ah Ken. Photo/Stella Taupau-Palea/Facebook

Toleafoa Alefosio Iosefo Leo is one of the siblings whose unfinished and uneven pe’a (tatau for males) has been splashed all over social media.

In one video post by Taupau-Palea, Toleafoa is heard saying, “I was in agony during the tattooing session, thinking it was fine, but then I sat up and saw what had been done.”

Su’a Suluape Alaiva’a of the world-renowned Suluape family of tufuga told Sāmoa Observer that Ah Ken was previously connected to the Suluape family but only as a toso (a tattooist's assistant). According to the master tufuga, Ah Ken was never given permission to start tattooing on his own.

Master Tufuga, Su'a Suluape Alaiava'a says those wanting tatau should choose their tattooists carefully, and embrace the fa'a-Sāmoa involved in the practice. Photo/Junior S Ami/Samoa Observer

“Aukuso hid some of our tattooing tools, took them home and began tattooing women, giving them their malu. I knew about that, but I was surprised to find out he was also tattooing men, giving them their pe’a,” Su’a says.

“This has happened before, where he began someone’s pe’a, but couldn’t finish it due to his inexperience. I gave him some advice - to stop doing it. However, another issue is that people still request tattoos, even when they see that the tattoo artist isn’t experienced.

“This is a permanent choice… once you’re tattooed. So you should choose carefully which tufuga you go to for your tatau.”

The Suluape family of tufuga is highly regarded internationally, and warn that bypassing cultural traditions with the associated fa’a-Sāmoa contributes to these controversies.

“People just come over, pay the money, then fly out again without staying to visit their families,” Su’a told Sāmoa Observer.

PMN News reached out to Ah Ken for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.

For many Sāmoans, the controversy raises questions not just about who should be entrusted with this sacred art, but also how to safeguard both its cultural integrity and the health of those who wear it.

Watch one of Sāmoa's eminent tufuga, Liaifaiva Lavea Levi, in action