Kalia Tattoo

The tradition of tattooing in Tonga was abandoned soon after European contact and the arrival of missionaries. It was completely erased in Tonga and tattooing was officially outlawed in 1838. Today, few Tongans even realise that their ancestors bore tattoos, not only has the art been lost over the past two centuries, but even the knowledge of it is slowly forgotten. However, in recent years
a few Tongan tattoo artists are slowly bringing back the Tongan tatatau.

Kalia Tattoo showcases the effortless work of three brothers, King 'Afa, George and Carl Cocker. It gives everyone an insight to their vision of reviving the lost art of Tongan Tattoo, it also documents years of their own hard work and research. The Cocker brothers work is off original designs,it should not be copied or replicated without their permission because each design is for every individual symbolising their own meaning.