American Samoa, a tattoo experience

Oceans and Seas » Pacific
December 4th 2008

Published: January 9th 2009

Arrived Pago Pago, American Samoa after a super rough boatride from (hell) Apia, Samoa. Yes, we could REALLY feel the big Pacific waves on this boat trip..Of course Borre slept the entire way, but Marianne stayed awake listening to the puking from the locals almost the entire way...bad stuff.. The boatride took us 8 hours in the middle of the freaken night, meaning again, the Pacific style!(everyt... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 51, Displayed: 21

Tattoo

Finished at last after 6 hours tattoing

The great artist Wilson's place

Wilson & his crew is making a traditional canoe

The great artist Wilson's place

Wilson by his Tatau equipment

The great artist Wilson's place

Some of Wilson's art; The famous "Turtle & Shark" tale with Samoan patterns painted with a traditional paint (made of the ashes of a burned nut) on Tapa(a sort of tree bark)

The great artist Wilson's place

Wilson & his crew made us a really great lunch with fresh lobster, fish & steak..Yes, this was actually lunch!! what a great way to end our visit at his place.

Umu (a traditional Samoan feast)

After Candyman prepared all the food, he put everything on hot rocks that has been heated for 3 hours,and covered all of it with banana leaves

Umu (a traditional Samoan feast)

After 2 hours it's ready to be served

Umu (a traditional Samoan feast)

And what a great meal!!!! The table is covered in banana leaves and all the food is served directly on it. Tisa's granddaughters preformed a nice traditional Samoan dance!

Pago Pago museum

Outside painting

Pago Pago museum

Traditional Samoan painting on tree bark

Pago Pago museum

Making Kava, a traditional drink (read the text on the picture)

Pago Pago museum

A village chief

Pago Pago museum

Some history abaout traditional Samoan Tatau (tattooing)

Pago Pago museum

Traditional Tatau (tattooing)

Pago Pago museum

Traditional Tatau equipment (tattoo equipment)

Pago Pago museum

Fishing gear made of bone, shell and rope

Pago Pago museum

Traditional boat (picture of how they capture a shark from this tine small boat)

Alega Beach

Murray eel eating fish

Alega Beach

Black tip reef shark (a family of 8 lives in the area)

Alega Beach

Black tip reek Shark eating left-over fish

9th January 2009

Anders
non-member comment

Tatau
But of course Børre got a tattoo there. How could he not! I'm not saying he's predictable, but sometimes you can anticipate his next move... :-D

9th January 2009

Anders
non-member comment

Tatau
The turtle and shark looked great. What did Marianne get?

30th April 2009

Pelasio
non-member comment

Thanks for the tour
I just saw your pics and the vid...simply brilliant. I grew up in Nu'uuli...graduated out of Marist. You brought home to me...I really appreciate you folks putting this stuff up for all to see. I'm glad you folks had a great time...but to be honest...every place has its own bad side. Thats a whole subjsct by itself...again, thanks and God Bless. Soifua. From Virginia Beach, Va.

14th March 2010

sagi
non-member comment

just saw your pics and vid, and I am moved to see a person like you wanting to get a samoan tatts. I really like the fact that you folks got tatts but also know the meaning of it. and it is true we treat everyone like family back home. I am hoping people will be encourage by your story and choose Samoa as their next holiday destination. God bless. Soifua. From Sagi of New Zealand

2nd April 2010

RJ
non-member comment

Been there
I lived in Samoa for a year and have been to Tisa's countless amount of times, and everytime I go its a new experience every time. She is the nicest lady! I will go back sometime, when funds are available, not for a while though. Glad to see that more people can experience the Samoan way of life....... it truly is amazing!

16th June 2010

Eli Laulu
non-member comment

GoodTimes:)
Awesome blog, came across it while searchin for tattoo shops in American Samoa. Reminicin bout the good old times in samoa as a child as i read through. Thnx for posting this memory of your trip, may Almighty GOD bless yall with more happines and memorable moments in life..

21st September 2010

lala
non-member comment

how can a person be calm when it is painful? does it really hurt :( i wanna try one but the picture scared me alot so maybe next time ill try it i seen the picture and it cool and nice but the blood is waist because the blood is all cumming out and for no reason =[

22nd September 2010

glysa
non-member comment

ewwwwwwwwwww
ewwwwwwwwwwwww how can you do that uh

25th October 2010

Seumaalii Saipai
non-member comment

Malo tama.
Good to see people wiling want to learn the Samoan culture. I hope that our Samoan people out side of Samoa will do the same so when they return to the island they understand n know what to do.

25th October 2010

Seumaalii Saipai
non-member comment

26th November 2010

Kani
non-member comment

I know
Love the Blog! Great pictures of Tisa's Barefoot Bar. I have taken the boat from Am Samoa TO Samoa and could relate so well to the story...lol... My husband and I have also spent many hours at Tisa's. Wilson is an awesome artist. Thank you for your posts. Kani

18th December 2010

ReiseMood
Børre Sørbråten

Tisa's
Hi. So great to meet other people staying at Tisa's, and enjoing having a chat with Wilson, the great artist. Hope you got the same amazing good food that we got from these wonderful people. Looking forward to go back in a couple of years. Børre,Marianne & Samoa(our kid)

28th December 2010

Damian
non-member comment

Could you give details on how to contact that tatooist and what country it is.

11th January 2011

Leilani
non-member comment

Did you really name your child Samoa ? If so, that's beyond cute. Anyway's I'm cookie, and I was wondering if you've visited the beautiful Cookislands ? If not, you should sooooooooo come and visit, you'll love it ! I guarantee it. Thanks for sharing your amazing photos. Love Samoa and all the other pacific islands out there ! Loving from Leilani and the Cookislands.

29th March 2011

Faaui Hunkin
non-member comment

Love the History of Samoan Tattoo
Im very proud of the museum and sorry I havent visit there until now. Thank for sharing the history online.

2nd April 2011

Beata and Tomek
us At Home Abroad

:-)

30th April 2011

ÁLVARO GÓMEZ CASTRO
non-member comment

Hi, I have been visiting your blog. Beatiful photos...superb... ¡Congratulations for your work! I invite you to visit my blog about literature, philosophy and films: http://alvarogomezcastro.over-blog.es Greetings from Santa Marta, Colombia

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American Samoa, a tattoo experience

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