'aso: (Samoan) m. line, rafter.
'aso are lines used to support the structure of Samoan tattoos, just as rafters support houses.
Rafters are critical architectural elements that provide stability to houses. Across Polynesia, large long houses (like the Samoan fale tele and the Maori wharenui) were central community buildings where ancestors and traditions were celebrated.
This architectural importance finds a counterpart in Polynesian tattooing. In the case of the Samoan pe'a (the traditional male tattoo), the 'aso lines serve this exact structural and symbolic function.
Similarly, the Maori wharenui, which represents the ancestor, includes carved and painted decorations much in the same way Maori tattoos include both punctured and etched parts.
The 'Aso in the Samoan Pe'a
The 'aso hold the structure of the pe'a together, linking the different sections like rods connect the community house. They can range from several thin parallel lines to a single thicker one, either bent or straight.
A specific type, 'Aso fa'aifo, translates literally to "bow-shaped rods." This term is used for the curved lines on both sides of the pe'a, at the hips. In the chief's house, these rods connected the main rafter on opposite rounded ends.
In the tattoo, the 'aso fa'aifo lines ideally connect the beginning and ending parts of the tattoo, linking ancestors to the new individual entering the community. These rafters represent tradition and support, and are crucial in Samoan style tattoos that relate to family and origins. They are also essential in enhancing the lines of the muscles by adapting to the structure of the body, a central concept in Samoan tattooing.
Hawaiian Moli'na
Hawaiian tattoos feature a similar line element called moli'na, or "flight of the albatross."
This symbol has a similar meaning of protection and represents the flight of the albatross, a bird that can fly far from land for long periods but will always return safely home. It symbolizes a safe return or protection during journeys.
Usage Examples
'aso elements used to enhance the structure of this full sleeve tattoo along the lines of the muscles:
'aso elements supporting the central part in this mixed sleeve:
You can read the description of each tattoo by clicking on its photo.
