'Au ta. Tattoo implement. 'Au ta is the general name for tattoo implements. However, each tool has its own specific name depending on its size and use, this is an 'au mono. 'Au ta consists of three parts: a wooden handle cylindrical in cross section, tapers to two flat sides towards the base, a tortoise shell plate, and a bone or tooth comb. The tortoise shell plate is in the shape of a shield and is affixed to the top of the handle with a nail straight through the top. The comb has very fine teeth and is made from nifo 'o le pua'a (pig tusk) and is attached on to the end of the tortoise shell. Besides the nail, all the points where the 'au are attached together are lashed with nylon fishing line.