RNZ social media journalist Faivaeselopepe Anric Sitanilei, photographed in the RNZ office. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
It's believed the traditional Samoan tatau, or tattoos, have been around for more than 3000 years and survived attempts to ban it.
Legend has it the tatau was gifted to Samoa from goddesses, Taema and Tilafaiga, who taught the Samoan people the practice, entrusting the tatau would live on for centuries.
To this day the history of the Samoan tatau fascinates people.
But there were also failed attempts by early missionaries to have it prohibited as they came to accept that the tatau was a rite of passage.
Samoan journalist and filmmaker Faivaeselopepe explains why it was important to him to capture his own Tatau journey.
