Cultural Identity and Tatau: Participatory Approaches to Understanding Sāmoan Heritage in the Pacific

Sāmoa and American Sāmoa have been both celebrated and stereotyped globally for their distinct physical characteristics and the cultural significance of traditional tattooing practices. The intersection of Sāmoan identity, health, and the practice of tatau is explored through the application of free-listing and pile-sorting techniques to develop a culturally appropriate and contextually relevant measure of identity. These methodologies were employed to understand how individuals within the Sāmoan community conceptualize their identity across three islands within the Sāmoan archipelago. This article discusses the challenges of implementing these techniques across diverse cultural contexts and highlights solutions for addressing cultural and logistical complexities. Preliminary findings offer insights into the multifaceted nature of Sāmoan identity and demonstrate variability in perceptions of tatau across communities. The research also critically engages with Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS), emphasizing the need to decolonize research processes while adhering to principles of data sovereignty and community control.