By Staff Writer
Emphasis on health was again at the centre of the 2-day workshop for the association of traditional tattooists at the Taumeasina Resort during the week.
The physical nature of the traditional practice young men and women endure as a ritual of passage in the Samoan culture leaves the tattooists prone to health risks.
Regular workshops are organised with the Ministry of Health officials to brush up on health protection for those with the skills to practice the ancient culture.
Unlike the modern use of machinery for decorative body tattooing, the practice of ‘tatau tattooing’ is carried out manually by those with the skills.
For the men it means starting from just below the ribs, covering the whole body, right down to the knees.
Women are from the top of the thighs to the knees.
One of the concerns by association members is having a non-association member practice the skill without a full awareness of the health protection requirements.
The workshop also looked into new health issues that tattooists must observe seriously for their personal safety and those of others.