Marks of Mana

It’s part of our culture. It’s part of us, no one can take it.

– Su’a Suluape Petelo

Tatau is one of the most effective signposts in telling the world who you are and who you identify with.

– Marks of Mana director Lisa Touma, in a Radio New Zealand interview, 14 October 2018

I think it’s really important that people understand the significance behind what they’re wearing, because those are the stories that we need to keep alive through the marks.

– Samoan tatau artist Tyla Vaeau Ta’ufo’ou

I was always really conscious of stepping into that space that maybe wasn’t allowed for me, or that I shouldn’t be in because I am a woman...

– Samoan tatau artist Tyla Vaeau Ta’ufo’ou

What we're trying to reiterate in the documentary is that these marks for women had a really specific meaning, a specific place. These marks were hugely significant — the rite of passage and becoming a woman, but also they're literally women's marks of mana — the symbol that you've reached the time in your life where you have this mana and you display it, you signify it with this tattoo. It's a very strong symbol of your role in the community and your role in protecting your family and service to your family.

– Marks of Mana director Lisa Touma in a Radio New Zealand interview, 14 October 2018