Description

Book Synopsis
When Tatau was first published in 2010, Mark Adams' renowned images documenting a great Polynesian art tradition were a revelation. It told the story of the late Sulu'ape Paulo II, the pre-eminent figure of modern Samoan tattooing. A brilliantly innovative and often controversial man, he saw tatau as an art of international importance. Tatau documented his practice, and that of other tufuga ta tatau (tattoo artists), in the contexts of Polynesian tattooing, Samoan migrant communities and New Zealand art. Long out-of-print, this revised and extended new edition, with its handsome large format and texts by distinguished scholars, makes a cultural treasure available once more.

Trade Review
E-Tangata, reviewed by Pakilau Manase Lua. “This handsome coffee-table book is a feast for the eyes of tatau connoisseurs and the tattooing fraternity …”

Tatau: Samoan Tattoo, New Zealand Art, Global

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    £46.39

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    RRP £57.99 – you save £11.60 (20%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 24 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Mark Adams, Sean Mallon, Nicholas Thomas

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Tatau: Samoan Tattoo, New Zealand Art, Global by Mark Adams

      Publisher: Te Papa Press
      Publication Date: 11/05/2023
      ISBN13: 9781991150981, 978-1991150981
      ISBN10: 1991150989

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      When Tatau was first published in 2010, Mark Adams' renowned images documenting a great Polynesian art tradition were a revelation. It told the story of the late Sulu'ape Paulo II, the pre-eminent figure of modern Samoan tattooing. A brilliantly innovative and often controversial man, he saw tatau as an art of international importance. Tatau documented his practice, and that of other tufuga ta tatau (tattoo artists), in the contexts of Polynesian tattooing, Samoan migrant communities and New Zealand art. Long out-of-print, this revised and extended new edition, with its handsome large format and texts by distinguished scholars, makes a cultural treasure available once more.

      Trade Review
      E-Tangata, reviewed by Pakilau Manase Lua. “This handsome coffee-table book is a feast for the eyes of tatau connoisseurs and the tattooing fraternity …”

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