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'Au tapulu

human history
  • Other Name

    Au tapulu (Samoan)

    'Au ta (Samoan)

    Tattoo implement (English)

  • Description

    'Au tapulu. Tattoo implement, narrow blade. 'Au tapulu is a specific type of 'au ta (tattoo implement). It is a smaller tool used for tattooing dots and fine motifs. It is made up of three components: a wooden handle, tortoise shell plate, and a fine tooth comb made from pigs tusk. The tortoise shell plate is narrow and rectangular in size. It is attached to the top of the handle with a nail as well as lashed with nylon fishing line.

    The comb is the same width as the plate and is lashed onto the plate with nylon line.

  • Place
  • Associated Place
  • Accession Number
    1991.70
  • Accession Date
    30 Apr 1991
  • Other Id

    53806 (ethnology)

  • Department
implement, tattoo, 1991.70, 53806, Cultural Permissions… … Read more

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