A strikingly designed and richly illustrated retelling of the unique history of Samoan tattooing, from 3000 years ago to today. The Samoan Islands are unusual in that tattooing has been continuously practised with indigenous techniques: the design of the full male tattoo, the pe'a has evolved in subtle ways since the nineteenth century, but remains as elaborate, meaningful and powerful as it ever was. This first history of Samoan tatau explores the people, encounters, events and external forces that have defined Samoan tattooing over many centuries. Stunningly illustrated with images of nineteenth and twentieth century and contemporary Samoan tattoos, along with intricate diagrams of designs and motifs, Tatau is the definitive guide to this rich and influential living art form. Tattooing -- Samoan Islands -- History. | Tribal tattoos -- Samoan Islands -- History. | Sala'ilua (Samoa) -- Social life and customs.