The Pe'a is a man's traditional Samoan tattoo.
The Traditional Samoan tattoo is rich and intricate in both design and application. The tattoo is extensive, starting a small triangle at the center of the lower back (this is actually the Pe'a). The Aus are fashioned from boars or sharks teeth, although legend has it chiefs bones were used. The aus are pounded into the flesh by the lapalapa. The Pe'a takes days to do and to stop is to leave you with a Pe'a mutu, an incomplete tattoo that is a dishonor and brings shame. Often people have died from blood loss or shock. Once the Pe'a is complete the person may then eat and rejoice with the other men who wear this tattoo. | 
