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Overview
This is a sausau (tattooing mallet) that is part of a set of Samoan tattooing tools made in Samoa by Su'a Sulu'ape Alaiva'a Petelo, a leading tufuga tatatau (tattooing expert). Tattooing in Samoa is a specialist trade, practised by members of specific family lines.
Tattooing tools
The tool kit consists of several small, finely-crafted tools known as ‘au. Each consists of a small bone comb with finely sharpened teeth (fixed to a shell plate), and a wooden handle to which they are both attached. The instruments are made for precision in order to create the beautiful lines and motifs of Samoan tatau (tattoo). When tattooing, the tufuga tatatau dips the comb section of the ‘au in black pigment and then uses the sausau to strike the ‘au so that it perforates and deposits the pigment into the skin.
Acquisition
This sausau is part of a ‘ata (tattooing kit) purchased from Su'a Sulu'ape Alaiva'a Petelo during the 7th Festival of Pacific Arts in Apia, Samoa in 1996.