Like Tiatia, men are usually tattooed from the knees to the waist. The women who choose to be tattooed, cover only their thighs. These icons vary from the male tattoo, but are equally powerful, positive images drawn from life in Samoa. There's a saying in Samoa, which, when translated, suggests that you should tattoo your umbilical cord, your tongue and your brain. Samoans believe that every part of you, even your thoughts, should to live up to the tattoo you have received.
Spiritual protection is provided by the guests who attend the tattooing ceremony.
It's believed that while receiving a tattoo the recipient is particularly vulnerable to the influence of malevolent spirits. He or she must not, therefore, be left alone. This is a preview of Charting the Pacific , a special Radio Australia website which journeys through dozens of Pacific Islands for a look at the customs, culture and conditions which are a part of Pacific life. Charting the Pacific will be online on November 10, 2000.