Why are tattoos important in Samoan culture?

In Samoan culture, tattooing is a significant art form that serves as a vital rite of passage.1

For males, the process typically begins around age 12 or 13, when they visit a local tufuga (tattoo artist) to receive tattoos extending from the waist to the knee. This is a prolonged and often painful experience, marking a transition in a young person's life.1

While Christian missionaries in the 19th century attempted to eliminate the practice, viewing it as contrary to their teachings, the Samoan people steadfastly maintained the tradition. Their commitment to this cultural heritage was so strong that they later assisted in reviving the practice among other Polynesian groups, such as the Tahitians, in the late 20th century.1