As a lead up to Tisa‘s Tattoo Fest, an event which has become an attraction for locals and visitors alike, a Tatau Forum will explore the many facets of the ancient old art of tatau or pe’a.
Hosted by the Fine Arts Department at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), the Tatau Forum is on Thursday, October 27th, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the College’s Lecture Hall.
Academics and community practitioners will exchange their knowledge and demonstrate the tatau in its various aspects.
This free event has been organized in collaboration with the 12th Annual Tisa’s Tattoo Festival, which is this weekend.
The Tatau Forum includes different viewpoints from various scholars, those who wear the laei and from a Tufuga ta tatau himself.
Regina Meredith Fitiao, Visual Arts Professor of the Fine Arts Department said that, “an array of people will share what they know and have experienced regarding the sacred art form.”
What she will speak about comes from research conducted at the National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Museum regarding the correlation of Samoan motifs between siapo and tatau based on the Tapa Collection housed at NMNH that date as early as 1838.
Along with Fine Arts Chairman Mr. Kuki Tuiasosopo, guests will include keynote speaker Dr. Unasa Leulu Felise Va’a of the National University of Samoa; Teleai Christian Ausage of the ASCC Samoan Studies Institute; Tofoitaufa Sandra King Young, local Director of Medicaid; Su’a Tupuola Fitiao Uilisone; filmmaker Fepulea’i Dr. Micah Van der Ryn; and Tattoo Festival founder Tisa Faamuli.
Also, members of the SAFF will perform at the Forum during lunch hour.
The American Samoa Humanities Council is providing support of the Tatau Forum.
