UNESCO Supports Samoa in Safeguarding Traditional Tatau and strengthening the protection of living heritage

Tatau Samoa is a significant expression of Samoan cultural identity, knowledge and social values. Transmitted from generation to generation, the practice encompasses specialised knowledge, skills, customary protocols and cultural meanings that remain deeply embedded in Samoan society.

The Preparatory Assistance will support a community-centred process to prepare the nomination file, including consultation with traditional tattoo practitioners and communities concerned and the documentation of the practice, its transmission and safeguarding needs.

The process will provide an opportunity for communities and national stakeholders to identify factors affecting the viability and transmission of Tatau Samoa and to consider appropriate community-led safeguarding measures for the continued and transmission to future generations.

UNESCO welcomes Samoa's continued commitment to safeguarding its living heritage and acknowledges the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), together with traditional practitioners, communities, and other national stakeholders involved in the process.