Faiva o Su'a – Tatau Otago 2025

Tu'utu'u malū ou faiva e pei o le fetalaiga i le Lagi Mālōfiē.

Join us for a special opportunity to hear from Su'a Sulu'ape Peter, a traditional Samoan tattooist, or tufuga tā tātāu.

He will share his deep knowledge and lived experience of this powerful indigenous practice – one that has endured through generations, resisting the forces of colonisation and the influence of Western religious ideologies that sought to suppress and erase traditional cultural expressions.

A descendant of Samoa’s principal tattooing lineage and the eldest son of Su'a Sulu’ape Alaiva'a Petelo, Su'a Sulu'ape Peter carries on the sacred tradition passed down by his father and ancestors. With deep respect and commitment, he continues to uphold and protect the art form entrusted to his family.

In this special talk, Su'a Sulu'ape Peter will speak about the Pe’a and Malu – the traditional tattoos worn by Samoan men and women. He will be joined by his Meana’itaua (wife of the tufuga tā tātāu) and au koso (essential assistants), who will share insights into their
significant roles in the tattooing process.

1pm – 2.30pm, Tuesday 3 June
Hutton Theatre
Free – Gold Coin Donation at Door

You may also like the following events from Otago Museum:

• This Friday, 2nd May, 06:00 pm, Under the Dome – Night Sky Live: Quiz Edition and Aliens (1986) in Dunedin
• Next Saturday, 10th May, 10:00 am, Archaeology Week Activity Day – Heritage NZ in Dunedin
• Next Saturday, 10th May, 02:00 pm, Lost City of Z – Free Screening in Dunedin

Also check out other Arts events in Dunedin, Theatre events in Dunedin, Nonprofit events in Dunedin.