In the 19th century there was an invasion of mosquitoes to the Kingdom, which later on became another part of everyday life, and it was there that the Fa'ataupati was created from when a man would forcefully slap his body.
[1] This dance mimics a person slapping the mosquitoes off their body when bitten.
The Fa'ataupati is traditionally performed by a group of men and requires strength and stability.
This dance requires a lot of coconut oil rubbed on the skin, as the slapping can sometimes leave marks on one's body.
Regardless, it has never stopped the Samoan males having fun, and also having the opportunity to express themselves in a dance that is specifically for them.