Samoa: Pe'a tatau (tattoos)

The Pe’a is the common Samoan name of the traditional male tatau (tattoo) of Samoa. The pe’a covers the body from the waist to the knees. The tatau process for the pe’a is extremely painful. Tufuga ta tatau (master tattooists) use tools handmade from pieces of bone, turtle shell and wood and tap black ink deep into the skin. In the Samoan custom, a pe’a is only done the traditional way, with aspects of cultural ceremony and ritual, and has strong meaning for the one who receive it.

The tattoo starts on the back and finishes on the navel. Overall, the design is symmetrical with a pattern consisting mainly of straight lines and larger blocks of dark cover, usually around the thighs. A simple pe’a design can take less than a week to complete. Larger designs may take years.

Women also receive tataus called malu - however, without the strict rituals for men. Designs for women are lighter and more lace-like - or filigree - in style, compared to the large areas of solid dye which are frequently seen in men’s are frequently seen in men’s tataus.