Greg Semu is of Samoan heritage. In these self-portraits, Semu confronts the colonial photographic archive of Samoa in a direct and personal way, undergoing the painful and deeply spiritual process of Samoan full-body tattooing at a young age. The name for the tattoo traditionally given to Samoan men, pe‘a, translates as ‘flying fox’ and also refers to the deep, blue-black colour of the tattoo. Originally, the tatau (tattoo) was an etched armour for Samoan warriors, but now its main purpose is as a visual symbol of strong cultural affirmation. As an initiation ritual, the pe‘a is a mark of deference to one's elders and customs. Inscribed across Semu’s flesh are the genealogies of Samoan families, the story of their navigation across the Pacific and the various existing landmarks.