Pe'a
The Polynesians, used the art of Tatau (tattoo) as a distinctive signs to express their identity, personality and their story.
The europeans missionnaries who arriaved in the pacific islands, late in the 18th century strictly banned it.
Today, the Art of Tatau is practicing by few Tufuga ta tatau (master tottoist). Each of them works with his own handmade tools.
The magic and the beauty of this heritage is often passed from father to son. The Pe'a (traditionnal Samoan name for male tattoo) cover the body from under the chest to the knees. The tattooist works with two or three assistants. The subject is lying on mates on the floor, the tattooist and his assistants beside him. The tattooist use a wooden stalk with a needles comb at the end, he dip the neddles in black ink and bang the wooden stalk with an other wooden stalk to put the needles under the skin and create the tattoo. The assistants are there to hold the subject's body and wiping the blood off the skin. Make a Pe's can take many weeks.
Family members and friends af the person getting the tattoo are oten in the attendance. They says word of encouragment or sing songs. Wearing a lavalava on top of everydays clothes and keep a respectful distance is the tradition. It's forbiden to stay stand-up as well.
When the Pe'a is finished, the subjects show their tattoo to the assembly of guests during a ceremony. While this last one, the Tufuga ta tatau receives presents to thanks him for his work and his art.
