Peʻa

Okay kiddo, let me explain what peʻa is in simple terms. Peʻa is a traditional tattoo art form that comes from the Pacific Island nation of Samoa. It is a full body tattoo that is done by using a special kind of needle that is attached to a wooden handle. The needle is dipped in ink and then tapped into the skin to create intricate designs and patterns.

It's a very important part of Samoan culture and is often seen as a rite of passage for young men. The designs in the tattoo often represent different aspects of Samoan life, like family, nature, and history. It can take weeks or even months to complete a peʻa tattoo, and it's often done in a traditional way, with the person receiving the tattoo lying on a mat while the tattoo artist works on their skin.

But it's not just about the tattoo itself - peʻa is also about the process and the meaning behind it. It's a very spiritual experience for Samoans, and it's often seen as a way to connect with their ancestors and their cultural heritage. So, while it might just look like a cool tattoo to some people, it means much more than that to the Samoan people.