'Au ta. Tattoo implement. 'Au ta is the general name for tattoo implements; 'au mono is the name for this particular tool. It consists of three parts: a wooden handle cylindrical in shape, a tortoise shell plate, and a fine tooth comb which is made from bone or tooth. The tortoise shell plate is rectangular in shape and tapers to a point on one end. This point is attached to the top of the handle with a nail and secured with nylon fishing line which is lashed around the plate and handle. The comb has many fine teeth and is the same width as the plate. It is also lashed onto the plate with nylon fishing line.