tatau

Tatau is the traditional form of body marking practiced by several Polynesian cultures, most notably Samoa and Tahiti. In Samoan, tatau refers to both the act of tattooing and the finished design. The practice is deeply embedded in social structure, rites of passage, and personal identity, with patterns and placements varying by island and lineage. Tatau marks can signify rank, family, lineage, or achievements and are traditionally performed as a ceremonial, community-supported process rather than as casual decoration.

Historically, tatau traces its roots to long-standing Polynesian tattooing traditions that predate written history. In Samoa, the male form, called the peʻa, covers large parts of the body, while the female form, the malu, decorates the legs. The work is lengthy and painful, typically completed over multiple sessions with guidance from a master tattooist and support from family. Completion is associated with status and maturity and often accompanies rites of passage.

Traditional techniques use a hand-tapping method: a comb-like instrument with teeth carved from bone, shell, or wood is dipped in pigment and tapped into the skin with a wooden mallet. The pigment is usually carbon-based, derived from soot or ash. Designs are geometric and curvilinear, laid out to reflect lineage, mana, and personal history.

Contemporary tatau continues in many Pacific communities and has spread worldwide. Some artists use modern equipment while preserving traditional patterns and meanings; others blend motifs with contemporary styles. While ritual significance remains strong for many communities, tatau is also celebrated today as cultural heritage and artistic expression.