Fa‘asamoa (Samoan culture) inevitably changed in New Zealand. However, many Samoans continued the traditional practice of tattooing. The pe‘a tattoo, shown here in a self-portrait by Greg Semu, is worn by men and normally extends from the waist to the knee. The pe‘a is a very painful process which can take several weeks to complete. It is a rite of passage for Samoan males.
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Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Photograph by Greg Semu, 1995
Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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