Explore the history and revival of Tongan Tātatau through 2,700-year-old tattoo tools, Tukufakaholo, genealogy, ancient kupesi, the 1839 suppression of tattooing, and the modern Tongan tattoo revival. King ’Afa Cocker documents decades of research, cultural practice, mentorship, diaspora history, and the continuing refinement of Tongan tattoo across Tonga, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Hawai‘i, Utah, New Zealand and Australia.

THE HISTORY & REVIVAL OF TONGAN TATTOO (TATATAU) Most of our 200,000+ Tongan people today do not understand the full journey behind the revival of Tongan Tattoo TaTatau. This cultural revolution did not happen overnight. It comes from decades of sacrifice, mentorship, cultural work, documentation, and advocacy carried out by specific individuals inside and outside the Kingdom of Tonga.