Samoan tatau Photo: AFP
Samoa's Ministry of Health is getting ready to register traditional tattoo artists, for safety reasons, and it's getting support from the country's most celebrated master tattooist.
According to Newsline Samoa, respected traditional master tattooist Su'a Suluape Alaiva'a has come out in support of the move to ensure more hygienic measures and practices are employed by traditional tattooists.
"I can understand the concerns by the Ministry of Health in regards to blood borne diseases transmitted through usage of needles," he said.
"As a tattooist, I support the government and the Ministry's excellent move to initiate this registration process for all tattooists because not only is it going to be for the protection of them but their customers as well."
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health Leausa Take Naseri told Newsline Samoa that the Ministry has already assisted with guidelines launched last year on what to be aware of.
"There is already a guideline launched for the tattooists to avoid blood borne diseases. These guidelines can help assist them with their job and especially those who want to get tattoos."
"This is part of raising awareness on what the public needs to understand for their safety," Leausa said.
