Adorning the tops of a soldier’s hands and fingers are small arrows, birds, and stars, etched from the wrists up to the nail beds. These aren’t just any tattoos but symbols of the traditional “tatau” from Samoa.
Army Capt. Isis Sake, 38, gazes at her body art, each representation holding deep cultural significance. Following approval, Sake’s tatau now symbolize the acceptance of her traditional heritage within her service.
In February, Sake made history as the first soldier to gain Army approval for such hand tattoos, recognizing the diverse communities within the force and their call to service.
Originally from Apia, Samoa, Sake enlisted in the Army in 2008, inspired by her older sisters. She now serves as an operations officer, highlighting the parallels between Army values and Samoan culture.
In 2017, Sake obtained the “malu” tatau for women on her legs, before adding the traditional tattoos to her hands in 2022, driven by her commitment to selfless service and cultural reverence.
While tattoos hold deep meaning for many in the military, strict rules govern their acceptability. Sake’s hand tattoos were initially unauthorized, prompting her to seek an exception to policy.
Despite Army regulations, Sake notes that many soldiers have tatau, albeit not on their hands, a tradition predominantly for women and culturally significant as a “weaver.”
For Sake, receiving her initial tattoos in 2017 was a sacred rite, symbolizing trust, honor, and leadership within her family and society.
A skilled tattoo artist, representing one of two Samoan families passing on this tradition, traveled to Virginia to perform the tapping of the ink, a process deeply rooted in tradition.
The arduous process of tattooing, shared with her husband who received the traditional “pe’a” tatau, involved days of sessions, accompanied by music and camaraderie.
Aftercare for Sake’s tattoos required weeks of healing with Aquaphor and antibacterial soap. The same master tattooist returned to ink her hands, each symbol carrying its distinctive meaning.
Arrows symbolize support, stars express wisdom, and birds embody navigation and guidance, reflecting the enduring connection to Samoan culture, no matter the distance.
“Just like the Samoan culture, you can leave the island, but your culture is always going to be with you,” Sake concludes, highlighting the enduring bond between identity and heritage.