Tatau

Tatau is a traditional tattooing practice originating from the Pacific Islands, particularly Polynesia and Fiji. It involves creating intricate, meaningful designs on the skin using tools like bone, stone, or prongs to insert pigment into the skin's upper layers. Tatau often embodies cultural identity, social status, spiritual beliefs, or personal achievements. The process is highly ceremonial and regarded as a rite of passage, symbolizing connection to heritage and community. Today, tatau has gained global recognition as an art form, blending preserved cultural techniques with contemporary tattoo practices while maintaining its deep cultural significance.