Tatau: Marks of Polynesia explores the beauty of Samoan tattoos as well as the role they play in the preservation and propagation of Samoan culture. Through an array of photographs, Tatau showcases the work of traditional Samoan tattoo masters alongside that of younger practitioners working within and influenced by the tradition today.
Tattooing has long been held as not just a practice in art but also a way to tell stories through art, through the intimate painting of one’s body. Sāmoa’s tatau is one of the world’s most distinct tattoo traditions. It is an indigenous art form dating back 2,000 years, and has played a pivotal role in the preservation and propagation of Samoan culture.
