Pasefika Tatau Needles

Created to support traditional Polynesian tattooing practices with modern safety and consistency, Pasefika Tatau Needles are designed specifically for artists performing tatau, the ancestral tattooing tradition of the Pacific. Developed in collaboration with Samoan tufuga (master tattooists) including Sulu’ape Si’i Liufau, these needle heads bring the feel of traditional tools into a sterile, single-use format.

Historically, Polynesian tattoo tools used comb-like heads made from materials such as bone or boar tusk attached to wooden handles and tapped into the skin during the ritual tattooing process. Pasefika Tatau Needles translate that traditional concept into modern jumbo #16 gauge needle groupings, giving artists the broader coverage and skin response closer to traditional tools while maintaining modern hygiene standards.

The lineup includes multiple configurations built for different stages of the tattoo—from fine detail work to large shading groupings—allowing artists to work efficiently while preserving the spirit and technique of Polynesian tatau.

Features
• Designed specifically for Polynesian tatau tattooing
• Built with jumbo #16 gauge needles for traditional-style coverage
• Single-use sterile construction for modern safety
• Configurations designed for detail, lining, and shading
• Created in collaboration with Samoan tattoo master Sulu’ape Si’i Liufau
• Designed to replicate the feel of traditional comb tattoo tools

Traditional roots. Modern safety. Tools designed for the art of tatau.

Pasefika Tatau Needle heads offer a solution for artists who typically prefer to make their own needles for Polynesian style Tatau.

Au Mono - Small design needles

These Tatau needles range from 6 to 10 flat and are made with jumbo #16 gauge needles. They are best used for detailing in all styles of Polynesian Tatau applications.

Au Faasinano - Large Design needles

These Tatau needles are in a flat configuration from 21- 37 flat and made with jumbo #16 gauge needles. They are best used to create medium to large motifs in all styles of Polynesian Tatau.

Au SogiAso - Liners

These are our largest groupings of Tatau needles in a flat configuration from 45-91 flats and are made with jumbo #16 gauge needles. They are best used for lining in all styles of Polynesian Tatau.

Au Kapulu - Shader

These are our line of shaders in a mag configuration, ranging from 21 all the way to 91 mag! Our 27 mag is a curved mag, allowing you to get into those difficult areas. Our 91 slightly curved mag is our newest innovation, allowing for maximum coverage with less damage! 

Premade needles heads

• 0.55 (16 gauge) * 2.0-Polished
• Total Length: 30mm
• Weld Length: 20mm
• All FLAT needle configurations are a single-layer
• All MAG needles are two stacked layers of needles
• 100% Sterilized
• 10 to 20 Needle Heads per box, dependent on size (see variant listing for details)
• Single Use Only
• Sample Pack includes 1 of every configuration
• All needles were developed and designed by Sulu'ape Si'i Liufau of A Town Tatau

*These are needle heads only