Tatau (Pe'a and Malu)
Samoa Tattoo Tradition
Home of the tatau — a rite practised continuously to this day.
Samoa is widely regarded as the spiritual home of Polynesian tattooing. The tatau — applied by hand using carved bone combs (au) — is a multi-week rite of passage that marks lineage, courage, and service to family and village. The male pe'a covers the body from waist to knees; the female malu wraps the thighs in finer, more open patterns.
Key motifs
- Pe'a
- Malu
- Va'a (canoe)
- Faaila (markers)
- Anufe (centipede)
Other Pacific Tattoo Traditions
Bring Samoa Into Your Story
Every IslandTAT design is freehand-composed from the client's own story. If the Tatau (Pe'a and Malu) tradition speaks to you, start with a one-on-one consultation in San Diego — in person or remotely for travel clients.
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