FAGATOGO PAVILION, American Samoa -- For the last three years U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band members have traveled to American Samoa to perform across the island. Members noticed the extensive works of art tattooed on the locals. Two years ago, Staff Sgt. James W. Strube, MarForPac Band, supply noncommissioned officer in charge, from Milwaukee, Wis. Was curious and did some investigating.
“I was against getting a traditional Samoan tattoo at first, but the locals were so welcoming and friendly, that it was just something I had to do,” Strube said. “Another Marine recommended I go to Wilson Fitiao since he was world renowned and practiced a hygienic form of the ancient art.”
A Faga’itua native, Wilson “Wiz” Fitiao, is a tatau master and famous artist in American Samoa. His freehand designs keep him booked with appointments from visitors and locals.
He uses a wild boar tusk fitted on a wooden stick to carve and tap ink into the skin of his canvas. The Samoan pattern is done freehanded while two helpers, his sons, stretch the skin. Everything in the tattoo has a meaning.
“For me, it’s a spiritual journey. The joy is to see each person receive my Samoan tattoo art with pride and positive energy,” Fitiao said.
As the band returned this year, Marines struggled to secure a spot with Fitiao during their short visit. The intricate tattoos take time, so Fitiao started at sunrise. This year he had two other tattoo artists on deck. However, they were standard tattoo artists and used a typical tattoo gun.
“I opted for a regular tattoo this trip so that other Marines could have this meaningful experience. Plus, you can get different curves and circular patterns with the gun,” Strube said.
Fitiao’s exclusive office is an outdoor deck at Tisa’s Barefoot Bar on Alegra Beach. An uninhabited bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean surrounds his workspace. The experience is contrary to many stateside tattoo shops since there is usually no buzz from a tattoo gun, but rather the calming waves hitting the shore and the ocean breeze blowing through the palm trees.
“When I heard about getting inked by a tatau master in paradise, I was in,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel M. Chunn, MarForPac Band percussion player from Oak Park, Mich. “I knew it was going to be 100 percent original and unique.”