August 31, 2026 · Commentary on UNESCO
Samoa's Traditional Tatau: A UNESCO Initiative to Safeguard Living Heritage
UNESCO is backing Samoa's efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage, including the traditional art of Tatau, for future generations.
“UNESCO is strengthening its support to Samoa to safeguard its rich living heritage, including through new assistance for the preparation of a nomination of Tatau Samoa (traditional Samoan tattooing) to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.”
It's wonderful to hear that UNESCO is stepping up its support for Samoa's vibrant living heritage. The organisation is providing assistance to help prepare a nomination for `Tatau Samoa` – traditional Samoan tattooing – to be included on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This is a significant step towards recognising and protecting a practice that is deeply woven into the fabric of Samoan identity.
The preparatory assistance, approved through the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, will enable Samoa to collaborate closely with communities and traditional practitioners. The goal is to document `Tatau Samoa` thoroughly and prepare the nomination file, ensuring that the practice, its transmission, and safeguarding needs are well understood. This community-centred approach will also help identify any factors affecting the viability and transmission of `Tatau Samoa`, allowing for appropriate, community-led safeguarding measures.
This initiative isn't just about the art of tattooing; it's part of a broader collaboration between UNESCO and Samoa to strengthen community-based safeguarding of all living heritage. It also builds on ongoing efforts to reinforce national frameworks for cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, including the proposed National Heritage Board Bill and Protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill. These developments are vital for preserving Samoa's unique cultural landscape. When you're visiting, you might even spot some beautiful traditional designs; perhaps you'll enjoy a meal at places like Tatau, where the name itself hints at this rich cultural legacy.
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