Malu facts for kids

{{lang|sm|Malu} is a special type of tattoo from the Samoan islands. It is made specifically for women and holds deep cultural meaning. The malu covers the legs, starting just below the knee and reaching up to the upper thighs, almost to the buttocks. Its designs are usually very fine and delicate. This is different from the Pe'a, which is the traditional tattoo for men and has bolder designs.

Understanding the Malu Tattoo

The word malu itself comes from a specific design that is often tattooed right behind the knee. This spot is sometimes called the "kneepit." This particular design is a key part of the malu and is only found on women.

What Malu Symbolizes

In Samoan tattooing, the word 'malu' means "sheltering" or "protection." This shows that the tattoo is not just a beautiful design. It also represents safety and care for the person wearing it.

Other Tattoo Placements

While the malu is mainly on the legs, Samoan women also sometimes had tattoos on their hands. In some cases, they might have had tattoos on their lower abdomen too. These traditional tattooing practices have become popular again since the late 1990s, showing a strong connection to Samoan heritage.