Music, dance and storytellingOceania
Fa'ataupati
A traditional Samoan dance performed by men who clap and slap their bodies to create rhythm.
The Fa'ataupati is a male-only dance from Samoa. It mimics slapping mosquitoes off the skin. Men perform it without instruments, using only their hands and feet to make music.
The Fa'ataupati is a unique dance form kept by Samoan men. It uses the body as an instrument. The movements mimic swatting away insects. This practice reflects daily life in Samoa. It requires strength and coordination among performers.
Origins of the dance
The name comes from the word pati, which means to clap or slap forcefully. In the nineteenth century, Samoa faced a severe mosquito invasion. This pest became part of everyday life for the people. Men began to mimic the act of slapping bugs off their skin. This movement evolved into a structured dance. It remains a reflection of daily activities in Samoan culture today.
How the dance is performed
Only men perform this tradition. A group works together in sync. They clap their hands, slap their bodies, and stomp their feet. These actions create the entire musical accompaniment. No external instruments are used. Performers apply coconut oil to their skin before starting. This reduces marks from the forceful slapping. The dance demands physical stability and strength from all participants.
Modern presence
The dance is rarely performed alone in its traditional setting. It has influenced contemporary dance companies outside Samoa. Black Grace, a leading company in New Zealand, incorporated these movements into their works Minoi and Minoi 2. This shows how the tradition travels beyond its home while keeping its core identity intact.
How Fa'ataupati is kept
Men gather to perform the Fa'ataupati. They rub coconut oil on their skin first. Then they clap, slap, and stomp in unison. Their bodies provide the rhythm. No instruments are played. The group moves together with strength and stability.
When and where
The dance originates in Samoa. It is also known in New Zealand through contemporary dance groups.
What Fa'ataupati means
The dance mimics slapping mosquitoes off the body. It reflects everyday life activities in Samoa. The movements represent dealing with pests that invaded the kingdom in the nineteenth century.
Questions people ask about Fa'ataupati
Where is Fa'ataupati kept?
Fa'ataupati belongs to the traditions of Samoa and New Zealand.
Who keeps Fa'ataupati?
As our sources describe it, Fa'ataupati is kept by Samoans. Many other communities and families now share it too.
See also
Siva SamoaA graceful Samoan dance marked by subtle, expressive arm and hand movements
Morris danceA rhythmic English folk dance performed in costume with bells, sticks and handkerchiefs
Royal Edinburgh Military TattooAn annual military music and performance show held on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in August.
Good FridayA solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Fa'ataupati", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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