Samoan and Tongan Tatau

Two brothers, two different tatau - the Tongan and Samoan pe'a.
Many Tongans have tried to revive the lost art of Tongan tatau, and what these age old patterns would have been. Rob and Sione Pomee from Three Houses Down undertook an extraordinary journey together to get a Samoan pe'a celebrating their Samoan ancestory and re-imagining the Tongan 'ta vaka' tatau.
For more of our Tatau & Ink stories click here:
www.thecoconet.tv/creative-na...

[@aliitaie8]

I'm Samoan and I want yall to know that the Tatatau has been around for centuries. The only reason, the Ta Vaka was almost erased from history was bc of the missionaries. Although I'm blessed to know God, I'm also blessed that our culture still lives on. So for all my Samoan brothers and sisters, do not put each other down but instead encourage and uplift one another. All love to my tagata pasifika !❤

[@SamwiseKimchee]

To all the Samoans who are lowkey bashing saying that Tongans are just making this up is sad. I admire the Samoan culture for keeping their roots and holding on to the Pe'a. But please dont discount the Tongan culture because we stopped it due to religious conformity. It's all love Ofa and alofa to everyone

[@meltuilava1980]

@@andrewpatu1428 all good things take time

[@adekim3740]

@@andrewpatu1428 shut up. Tongans have the right to revive lost traditions.

[@ltmg9832]

@@andrewpatu1428 Its like if we turned around and said “you guys came up rotating with just one siapo design? Took this long?”

[@alamai7799]

Christianity brought about the end of many practices in Tonga and Samoa, it was our ruling families that decided what stayed and what was preserved. I think we need to come together again as we were before the palagi came along. We are the same people.

[@mosehlewi3081]

@@andrewpatu1428 yes it did and only because the sulu'apes kept the aganuu. Mind you they very well couldve lost it as well and if they did Samoa wouldve lost it as well, but thanks to them for choosing in the end to to be interested in what their old man was saying and trying to teach them cus if you saw their testimony youd know that they were not interested at all. Westernization was already at the helm. They thought it was boring and didnt know why their old man wanted them to learn it. They did not want to follow the old man's footsteps and did not want to become tufugas.

[@papasmurf3791]

Chehooooo. I told every bradahs. Samoan and Tonga we’re brothers. Always bradahs. No more hate. Thank you so much uso. Now we know we family

[@sonnyt-iosefa7761]

I'm Sa, but it's beautiful to see that both Tonga 🇹🇴 and Samoa 🇼🇸 have the connection of Tatau and Ta Vala from the past. ❤️ 💙 😀 ..my grandchildren are half Samoans and Tongans and very proud of it.❤😂

[@sirgeopene2956]

Outstanding tokos!!!! I’m Samoan but I embrace everything about our Polynesian roots!!!! Polys all as one🇦🇸🇹🇴

[@hamobreed3731]

Love the story behind the tattoo what a way to honour both cultures and families and me being Samoan honouring ur great grandmother. 🇼🇸🇹🇴🇼🇸🇹🇴 proud moment 👍🏼

[@juslolo3103]

the blood, sweat and tears of our polynesian ancestors have been paid off, the cultures should be proud and I'm happy that these boys have started to revive our cultures!!!

[@jasonlotoaniu296]

This is amazing, as a Tongan born in Australia I think informative pieces like this are so important for our people and its only going to be harder as time goes on to hold on to our past. Thanks for this, definitely the type of things I will be showing my kids. Ofa atu ❤

[@evelyng.1326]

Yall people really need to educate yourselves. The tongan tatau (known as the Tavaka) is a long lost tradition that Tonga - and the Tongan people - have forgotten. Since Tonga adopted Christianity, tattoo's were looked down upon and so the people stopped entirely since we, Tonga and its people gave ourselves to God. As you can see in the video, the Tongans of today are trying to revive this part of our history, although there is basically little history of the tavaka since our ancestors essentially diminished it - where even most Tongans have never heard of the tavaka.

[@ahh-2-ahh]

Interesting fact: the Pe’a design is actually the design of the canoe (Va’a). It’s interesting the Tongans call it Ta Vaka. I’m so happy the Tongans are bringing back their tatooing rights, I love the Samoan and Tongan connections we share.... very proud of our culture.... Malie, malie!

[@anthonyemmm]

💯✊🏽

[@dreaderthandread9236]

Pe'a and Va'a are just two of the many design patterns that makes up the tatau. There are also the fa'alau niu, (coconut frond)faaatualoa ( centipede) aso( house purlins) ect ect.

[@thomasthecommentrater3703]

@@dreaderthandread9236 Yes, and even the name “Pe’a” refers to the flying foxes of Samoa, as the black color of the ink matches their skin.

[@allday87]

Further proof Tongans and Samoans are the same, much alofas tokos🤙🇼🇸🇹🇴

[@ioanajohansson4571]

Uce Juice 275 all Of Polynesia is one big country 🙏

[@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO]

@Celly14 It's because they carry Samoan blood uso as many of Samoans didn't know the royal family of Tonga are known as the Tui Kanokupolu meaning "heart and flesh of Upolu" an island in Samoa where honorable TUI Atua Tui A'ana resided, the Tongan Ta vaka was created by our Tufugas for the royals of Tonga, we Samoans have many Tamali'is(High chiefs) that ignored the european missionaries gaol, that they wanted the practice of our art to be wiped out, the truth it was our Measina(Treasure) it wasn't from Fiji it was from Fiti or also known as Fitiuta a village in Manu'a islands of Ta'u, this is why many of our history was lost due to colonisation because our tua'ā were been mislead by europeans missionaries, if you asked any Tufuga in Samoa where did the art of Tatau came from they will tell you is from fitiuta a village in Manu'a islands, the Manu'a islands is sacred island to all kings of Samoa including the Kings of Tonga

[@viliamikama3182]

@@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO that's true and correct what you said about the Tu'i Kanokupolu. There was a High Chief from Samoa called Ama, travel to Tonga I think around 16th or 17th century with his daughters and his warriors. Ama's daughter name Tohuia or Limapo in Samoa married the first Tu'i Kanokupolu name Ngata which is what the royal family now. So as you can see my last name is Kama in Tonga and that's Ama in Samoa where we came from. I'd love to get my pe'a one day to represent and honour my Ama and Samoan blood

[@Skybar23]

​@@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO Im Tongan and my mother was born in Kanokupolu. Its located at the northern tip of the main island of Tongatapu and the name itself is exactly as you described.

[@Taemahino78903]

​@@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO samoa never came from tonga

[@loveylatu8747]

Beautiful, my husband and I also researched ta vaka quite awhile back and realized there was alot of untold/unspoken tongan history prior to colonization/missionaries. Awesome to see you's bring it back, very proud!

[@Tera4m]

Good to see our culture, very much alive & Well. Poly styles All day🤙🏽

[@danieldaniel1773]

These practices were outlawed when the British arrived in Tonga. They used the Tongan monarchy to enforce the ban on traditional practice by the indigenous people. As there are numerous examples around the world of Christian ideological genocide it's good to see there are still proud Tongans willing to revolutionise these doctrines that have been suppressing beautiful cultures from flourishing. Your ancestors will be proud and as a proud Samoan I too am proud of these TOA's. #tokouso

[@damienfauolo6613]

I’m Tongan and Samoan and was raised with my Tongan side but never heard of the Ta Vaka

[@99iwaena]

So true our Polynesian culture is so precious for us all to know, apply and maintain it in our daily lives!

[@SonRaySinTv]

PACIFIC ISLAND SHINE. LOVE FROM AUSTRALIA. BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE TO ALL WHO READ THIS.

[@frankmaster2213]

I've never heard of Tonga tatau in my life,and I've never seen a Tonga people wear tatau till now...this is new!

[@makenzysua2469]

Frank master exactly!!! Like since when 👀🙄🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Wesley42ez]

Frank master it’s samoan history idgaf about samoan tongan are family it’s a samoan thing not Tongan

[@frankmaster2213]

@@makenzysua2469 this video makes people confused now!why are they making up stories?it's going to confuse the other generation!!

[@conradtupuse269]

It's all about money lads. Tatau is only from SAMOA

[@manuhamoa]

The tatau was introduced into Tonga by the Tu'i Kanokupolu (A'ano a Upolu) for their nobility and aristocracy. Tu'i Tonga Fatafehi is also known as Fakauakimanuka, in Samoan Fa'alua i Manu'a. He apparently went to Manu'a to have his full Samoan pe'a tattooed and it was completed in 2 sessions. Tupou I went to Upolu to have his full Samoan pe'a and it was completed in one session. Proving to his family his strength he then enlisted some of his families to join him in battle in Tonga. Later Taufaahau Tupou stopped the tatau when Tonga convereted to Christianity. Faafetai lava.

[@STACCS99]

RESPECT 💯 TOKOUSO 🇹🇴🇼🇸

[@louaiga74]

Awesome story and culture!! Love the tatau brothers,keep your culture strong. Love from the Uso from Samoa👍cheeehoooo

[@rveamatahau5740]

I don’t need tattoos to remind me of who I am. The world will remember me by what I am and where I’m from based on the human being I have become. After understanding my past, my parents bringing, grandparents struggles even as far back as the days of voyage these little components define where I’m from...humbleness, humility and family.. 🇹🇴

[@kiimaimaoriaoitepo3722]

Ka pai körua Thanks for sharing your journey & your körero. Nga mihi nui Te Umuariki

[@tiaaug283]

Glad to see the Toko’s dig up ol traditions and reviving it...hope to see more tokos embrace it and wear it with pride...

[@Shebanish]

This is new the Tongan pe’a. Good on you for reviving it. Welcome to the Malofie family.

[@Toko676.]

Nice tattoo I ever seen,I'm full Tongan but I love to watching you guys had a pe'a mix Samoan/Tongan pattern respect and loyalty,Kainga/Ainga we all came from a same rock, proud of you, Polynesian warrior still remain.

[@teivanuimaui6411]

much respect to u both. GOD BLESS

[@faataatiatupuolajr8799]

Talofa Lava Samoa!!!!! Much love from San Diego 😎

[@99foki]

Thank u for shedding light to our culture. This has been one of many things lost to our culture when Tupou I conquered all the islands against the old gods and people.

[@tyt4521]

Brooo good stuff brothers!!! You guys look awesome uce!proud🙂

[@karlsuapaia1749]

Beautiful art! Im part samoan and tongan who comes from Su'apaia-Tuipelehake and i enjoyed jearing and learning our culture art

[@Jay-th7vc]

Woah, that just blew my mind. It's so awesome to know the culture and traditions and what it means before getting one. I'm part Samoan myself. Jah Bless! xoxo

[@danielcobian2822]

Beautiful video. I love the polynesian culture. Greetings from Native Amerca Tarahumara

[@fasiapulekaufusi6632]

Every clan had a distinct sign called a kupesi. Nowadays the kupesi is shown on mats. But it was once tattooed on the body.

[@Timuia_ipaepaetele685]

Wow malo le Tali au I'm a proud Samoan very blessed to have gotten my malu in Samoa it was the best I felt a connection with my ancestors my family passed and was just awesome feeling

[@chestermanaea9028]

Great job Pomee brothers...very nice Tatau's! Nice to know that the Tongans have a Ta Vaka Tatau as well!!

[@sarati9039]

Wording of the description should be done better. It’s not Tongan and Samoan Pe’a - it’s Samoan Pe’a and Tongan Ta Vaka. Never heard of this Ta Vaka .... will def read up on it.

[@fasiapulekaufusi6632]

The tongan tattooing was banned long time ago. Because the church viewed it as paganism.

[@arialo8214]

It is called teufa

[@taahineLA]

King Tupou to'a the 1 banned these after our islands found Christianity.

[@12gaugepolymonkeygang28]

If anything Bratha it wasn't a ta vaka....it woulda been called a kalia....one thing I was told by my greatgrandfather with Tongan tattoo is that the tools came from Fiji and the Tongan king at the time would tattoo the head of his dick black!!!....

[@kunuiakea7047]

Sarati 90 it only says tatau. Samoan and Tongan tattoo.

[@djkickmycobra5557]

Nice ink work, I didn't know Tonga had that done aswel were very similar culture.

[@Wesley42ez]

DJkickmycobra 55 they didn’t do that only samoans do

[@danielmisaalefua3019]

Our ancestor used to do these tatau similar to pe'a until the Christianity arrived and it was forbidden.

[@mrfin02]

@@Wesley42ez kefe

[@chironapolonio]

These guys are ADORABLE

[@jaffa74]

Ataahua..so beautiful, thanks for sharing 💜🙏💜

[@toppa4504]

Obviously most of you havent heard of a Tongan Tatau of recent but why does it sound like you didnt know Tongans ever did it? Lol, the practice was abolished because of Western Influence in the 1800s. Theres writings of early voyagers seeing the markings on the Tongans and even drawings which was used to help revitalise Tongan Tatau. Samoans were also under a civil war but were never united as a Kingdom fortunately which helped preserve alot of their tradition whereas Tonga was united under King Taufa'ahau who then abolished many Tongan practices that contradicted the missionary teachings. Sorry for the long message lol but so yall know. Btw I havent heard the term Ta Vaka till now either.

[@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO]

Yes that true many Chiefs from the Tui Kanokupolu royal family still sailed here in Samoa to get a tavaka Tatau because they still have families here in Samoa, ofa atu mei Ha'amoa my Tongan bradas

[@alamai7799]

Yep, the reason they don't know is because of the betrayal and divide of Samoa by the 3 coward empires that were trying to stop our plans of forming a Polyneasian confederacy between Hawaii, Samoa and Tonga, as we were the only sovereign nations left in the pacific. King Kalakaua sent a ship called Kaimiloa to Apia harbour & was met with opposition by the 3 empires whose agenda was to create a powerful navy in the pacific under their own administration. The Berlin treaty agreement was the result of betrayal and lies, they lied to Samoans saying the war is over and once they disarmed the country, they annexed the country not allowing any Samoan representative to be present during the Berlin treaty agreement that took place between the 3 gay empires, this partly to deter the plans of a potential confederacy. Germany argued their rights for western Samoa as so many Germans were killed by Samoans. In order to get western Samoa the Germans negotiated with the British and gave them territory in South Africa and agreed to give Tonga, and other islands to the British while America gets eastern Samoa, which is what eventually happened. Western Samoa became a German protectorate territory, Tonga a British protectorate territory and eastern Samoa an American protectorate territory under a special agreement. These 3 gaylord empires were weary of one man & that was Mata'afa. They called Mata'afa the Samoan Washington of DC, his every word held weight and majority of Samoa obeyed his commands. The empires were defeated by Mata'afa both mentally & physically, his actions were swift and without any hesitation, fearless and bold. A meeting was held and all 3 gaylords agreed no matter who became king, they must never allow Mata'afa to be King of Samoa. They jointly planned to kill Mata'afa however no matter how many times they tried they couldn't kill him, they bombed so many villages, emptied over a thousand shells into villages & used gatling guns to spray the villages with bullets, killing so many innocent people, whose only crime was choosing a leader that was in opposition to the empires choice. Their actions received criticism by the tabloids in western countries as they were shamelessly mustering every weapon they had to give battle to a handful of Samoans, bombing, shelling & spraying bullets from their ships like cowards for 2 months. Mata'afa in retaliation wiped out the German plantations, killed 60 German soldiers and lured the soldiers on ship in land where he ambushed them, so many soldiers got their heads cut off, their heads and bodies were taken back to the village where families dragged the body around the village, threw spears through the body, stoning, spitting, stabbing, chopping and mutilating the bodies in any other way. The 3 coward empires asked the missionaries to retrieve the heads and bodies of the fallen soldiers. Many don't know this history because the palagi hid it and never teach it in their history, we are portrayed by westerners as foolish savages that couldn't govern our own nation, which is a complete opposite to the respect they had shown toward Mata'afa for his brilliance in war, diplomacy & leadership. Samoans were merely defending our sovereign nation, however they called our people rebels. The empires used their dishonourable filthy cunning methods to annex Samoa and Hawaii. The ship Kaimiloa that was sent by King Kalakaua had the diplomatic mission to create a Polyneasian confederacy with Samoa and Tonga, this obviously is not what they wanted to happen at all as the confederacy planned to not only to unite Samoa, Tonga and Hawaii, but also eventually grafting in the other islands that became territories by other European empires such as France, Spain, Britain etc..this great plan to form a large Polyneasian empire was opposed by the 3 empires and viewed as meddling in the affairs of each nation, when the truth was these coward empires wanted to subjugate our people so that they may have the authority over the pacific highway for their own agenda. During world war 1 and 2 these 3 gay empire used our waters for their navy forces and our people to fight in their wars, sending many to the front line to die on the battle field. I still have hopes that the dream for a Polyneasian confederacy can be realised. Though we do have a version of that under the pacific forum however it would have been much more beneficial for our people if we became one over 100 years ago. I know I wrote a novel but people need to know just as you've shared the truth. By the way, I love history and you're right, you guys did have a tatau. I believe that before the Gaylord empires came, we were one people.

[@manuhamoa]

Samoa and Tonga, one family. Thank you for the upload, malo 'aupito.

[@iam9tpercent]

I'm Tongan but my appearance even Tongans think I'm Samoan. Guaranteed if I DNA myself gotta be plenty Haamoa in me. #greatgreatgrandsonofSalamasina

[@ltmg9832]

@@iam9tpercent Me too! Lol! For years people thought I was Samoan. Even most people in my family look Asian lol! But you see: some when they find out I’m Tongan, they switch and not want to talk to me anymore 🤷🏽‍♀️ which is quite sad but ah well…their loss! We are family! 🌴 🥥 Unfortunately you can find this kind of attitude anywhere and everywhere

[@prismaticscamatics2470]

@@ltmg9832 I sometimes ge shunned from Tongans for being Samoan but no matter what I still show love to them because my nephew and nices are half Tongan

[@nathanpuamau7526]

Took me a year to read books and learn history through out the pacific and I finally got my answer n it is true Samoans m Tongans shared more than any other islands in the pacific n the crazy thing is!! It was before Tonga went through out the pacific

[@polyboyvalikoula6386]

Soo proud of you guys Im Tongan doing tattoo in Utah I always believe that Tongan and Samoan were one people and im proud for you Guy’s keep the Culture ❤️🔥🔥

[@chikodata5883]

“Popularised” by Sua Suluape toetuu aisea??? He’s the revitaliser of the “Ta Vaka” 🙄🤦‍♂️

[@tomtivoli9050]

Malo usoz very inspiring to see use both represent our cultures..amazing God bless Welcome to the Lagi malofie.

[@wolfgangvonuce9615]

This is awesome to know! Makes sense to me because we share so much history together with our Tongan brothers and sisters🇼🇸🇹🇴🇼🇸🇹🇴

[@kartune551]

Much respect to both of these guys

[@regulator674]

God damn, I never knew that the Tongans had a similar pe’a. thanks for sharing. TokoUso uso aso UMAAA!! 🇼🇸🇹🇴

[@GFUNK27]

This was Beautiful

[@kayleen8037]

This is beautiful.

[@liasilia]

I’m so excited for the revival of the tatatau for Tongan women too ! I’m grateful to the Samoan tufugas for helping us bring back this part of our culture that was taken from us. As soon as they start this for Tongan woman, I’m in!! 🙏🏽❤️

[@jonyfreston256]

Samoan and Tongan are the true most similar in polynesia....#TrueBrothers🇹🇴🇼🇸💯

[@thearea4745]

ill be honest im tongan and nothing in our history is about a tongan tatau or tavaka or sum shit this is definitley new 😂 i wish us tongans would stop trying to copy the samoans and just do our own thing 🤦‍♂️😂

[@nautikient2151]

Wtf is that profile pic🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@G.I_BRO_SHOW]

@@thearea4745 Bro its a real thing. It got stopped due to Christianity reaching our shores deeming it as "pagan" and "hedonistic" around the late 1830's. So much of our cultural practices were stripped and taken away leaving all of us in the dark. The royals also are somewhat responsible too.

[@adekim3740]

@@thearea4745 You’re obviously brainwashed from the colonizers 🤣 I think you should research and educate yourself before thinking Samoa was the only island who did it.

[@ariana06tangi]

You can’t talk about Tongan history without any mentioning of the Samoans and vice Verser! One love usos!

[@benjitimu8733]

beautiful story!!

[@longolongo3164]

tbh, Tonga lost a huge amount of its ancient history and culture after the adoption of Christianity. What we have today is a very finely distilled version that was acceptable by western (English) standards which also banned tattoos. Contributing to this is the fact that Tongans have almost no written collective record of the kupesi patterns and their meanings, the ancient lineages (other than the nobles), the influence of the ancient religion on cultural practices or anything past the age of Christianity (1800s). We have oral records for sure, ask the elders and each one will argue his different account of what was and what happened back then because, honestly they don't even know definitely for it happened way before their time and everyone wants to be a bloody history source. Tonga's culture has been modernized for a while now that our ancient past is very much buried, the tauolunga for example, our "traditional" national dance was adopted from Samoa in the 19th cent. But every now and then, you hear something new about the ancient culture such as a "belly button pattern for the Ulumotua". I grew up in Tonga and I have never seen anyone with it nor heard of it. Very beautiful ta tatau's tho, but I am curious of what/who the sources were and their interpretations of the kupesi patterns as well as anything else they know of. 'Ofa atu from Cali 💜

[@tamamatu6395]

I didn't know that Tongans still had a tatau. I thought it was lost when they abolished it like how our pea was almost lost when the missionary and the church banned it.

[@kronikzblehtcgs3303]

That’s true toko

[@GISTYLE1072]

There is pictures in nz museum

[@ozmusic1303]

Tongan tatau?.... um since when 😂😂

[@charlest4098]

Much love tokouce love from Germany.

[@torchtaula9251]

My Entire Life I've never heard of the Tavaka. Even Tongans in most places that I know have never heard of it and have never talked about it

[@teeks_74]

Fagatuai Taula those Tongans you know must be plastic

[@31titan70]

Please understand uso they did this way before the palagi and missionary stop it by telling the king of tonga to stop it..but samoa still continue it e mogi uso tonga got it from us all the way from fiji you know the history uso..scientist found bones they use to do it in tonga

[@teafaleta3579]

Tongan history, is something your rarely hear tongans talk openly about, and its because most tongan feel there bragging or boasting if their talking about history,so you won't hear it , untill you sit with a elder or a punake and ask, ill say this though, Tongan &Samoan same father different mother, onelove

[@AliHau275]

Its part of our history that was wiped out when then missionaries came to Tonga but until then it was part of our culture

[@Tipoloco0]

Yeah same never knew, til I learnt more bout the Poly history. & that King George I abolished tattooing when he converted Tonga to Christianity

[@utb2136]

well done boys keeping our culture strong 💪🏾🇹🇴🇹🇴🇹🇴🇹🇴

[@niseguy65]

Big Rob!!! Ill never forget drinking with you at the Box dox lol been a minute

[@deseanimbackathomejackson9562]

Polynesian culture is beautiful. It reminds me of my Native American ancestors in sense. Similar but very distinct at the same time.

[@sionepilivijr.7536]

It's kind of similar to samoan one i love it!

[@alanvaasili8695]

Malo brothers. Good to see your connection in the area of culture 👍

[@dohnut66]

Amazing story of the revival of the Tongan Tavake and how appropriate that it sit next to the malofie and with two brothers..

[@hs4a085]

Respect brothers! do it for the culture! Love from Samoa. TokoUso

[@esetamoors3767]

Was gonna say the same thing.never heard of Tongan tatau

[@degi5674]

Samoa 🇼🇸 is the birthplace of TATAU (TATTOO) People think Tatau originated from Fiji because Fiti but, that’s not true. Fiti-uta village in Manu’a (American Samoa) is the birthplace of Tatau (Tattoo)

[@petelomikaele7041]

Yes spot on bro, for so many years these stupid people got th story wrong, i kept it to my self too, in th song says fiti of course fiti is fiji but our fiti in the song is ment fiti-uta from tui manu'a (American Samoa)🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️, and there was no canoe, thay swam witch it says in th song fe'ausi, 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️everything js all gon wrong because there was a real fiapoko samoan out there stuffed up th story in translation🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jmjm1920]

They found the oldest tattoo Instrument in the Ancient Fortress Village of Pea in Tongatapu Island 2700 years ago 700 years older than Roman Colosseum! Eastern Island groups of Fiji is Tongan Ancestors called Lau Group! Ahu o Tongaliki Moai in Ata Mafoaaeata or Dawn first light Tonga first Tuitonga which is Easter Island first migration from Vaihi big land America names after Savaii Hawaiki called Loau migration and first built the only in Polynesia Haamonga a Maui Stonehenge in Tongatapu Island also Siaheulupe mounds and Langi stone mound pyramid similar to Incas and Mayans Peace 🙏

[@jmjm1920]

@@petelomikaele7041 Eastern Island Group of Fiji is Tongan Ancestors called Lau Group! They found the oldest tattoo Instrument in the Ancient Fortress Village of Pea in Tongatapu Island 2700 years ago 700 years older than Roman Colosseum! Peace 🙏

[@increasepeace4996]

No, the original Polynesians who settled Samoa and the other islands brought the practice of tatau with them. That's why indigenous folk in South East Asia have tattooing practices similar to Polys.

[@moatupua5541]

Love it..it is a spiritual one..blood line is a alot further to the stars and back.. onenes✨

[@tys9169]

The Tongans one were short, so why does it keep getting longer 😂

[@markzucker3949]

Much respect from the Yay Area!

[@kenetipese8445]

Two people one beginning..........TOKOUSO.......ONE LOVE.

[@dahlialw5236]

This is just amazing. I want to see a Tongan with a ta vaka ☺️😍🥰

[@BiltsOne]

Pe'a Tatau/Ta'Vaka been a tradition for so long. Its our culture.

[@user-eb3tw4ge6n]

For all those who say they have never seen or heard of tongans getting tattoos etc. Tongans and Samoans are originally from the same ancestry until they dispersed to all the other islands from Hawaii to New Zealand all the way to Rapanui. (The polynesian triangle).

[@zeromee3262]

I heard that Maoris came from either Samoa or Cook islands till they departed aswell in the 1400hundreds I'm Tongan so correct me if I'm wrong just what I heard

[@OP-kz1dq]

Zero Mee Maori originated from Hawaiki. Some believe that they originated from taiwan but the stories do not line up.

[@user-eb3tw4ge6n]

@@OP-kz1dq we all from Hawaiki my bro. Hawai'i call it Havai'i. Samoa call it Savai'i. Tonga call it Houeiki. 🤙

[@alamai7799]

​@@zeromee3262yep the takitumu voyaging canoe or its other name when it was first built (Manukatele) was built in Savaii Samoa from Lata toa tree by the brothers of the Ali'i or Lord of Upolu Atonga/Whatonga, his brothers names were Olokeu ans Oloinano. One of Atonga descendant named Tangiia was adopted by his mothers brother who was the Aliki of Tahiti, long story short because of warfare and power struggle Tangiia in his old age goes to Rarotonga to live out the remainder of his life where he meets Karika who used to hold the Tu'i Manu'a title before losing it to his brother being forced to leave with his supporters, he became a chief on Rarotonga and Savai'i. Some maori tribes come through that lineage connected to Tangiia and Karika. I'm not saying all do but some do

[@papasmurf3791]

Omg. I’m proud to see this as one family. Hamotokos. 💯 polynation

[@Qsoulmusic]

Beautiful story 🔥🔥

[@silaosilao9582]

good work bring both culture together ☝️☝️

[@joshmann1990]

Malie toko very nice 👍 nothing better then knowing your tatau

[@dannysioeli442]

You got the Power 🇼🇸

[@GR7O]

Awesome boys!!!

[@gad163]

Beautiful. Ofa atu 🙏🏾

[@laurencetua4520]

Ka pai Korua, Ka mau te wehi👌🖐

[@jeztauiliilivincent1916]

much respect tokouso!

[@changename9389]

The history of the Tongan Tatau/ Ta Vaka should be more acknowledged than “revived” I feel like there’s not much meaning to the patterns as it has been so long since it has been practiced. Samoa literally has a book explaining EVERY markings/patterns. Where as the Tongan patterns feel more modernised and more for the decorative part of it... my opinion 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@nathanpuamau7526]

Lmao learn more history tonga lost all it's tattooing due to Christianity and due to what our king said that's when all of our history were gone and now people in tonga make our history modern like which isn't the way to be

[@junz88685]

The royal family go to Samoa to get the ta vaka..only the tufuga allowed to tattoo the royal family

[@wg137]

We have books on the meaning of our patterns too, but the difference is that we get to choose the pattern that we’re getting tattooed with.

[@dranomiscato2510]

That is true, there is no way we can revive our symbols we had abandoned after christianity. A lot of our tattoo designs are mainly based on our tapa cloth patterns.

[@isaialeuila9327]

Change Name right.

[@sala453]

thats my beautiful family!!!

[@ululimam8475]

My family comes from a long line of that history, we also have Tongan family and I have never heard of a tavaka. I do believe they said it was forbidden for Tongans to have tattoos and that could just be for the women. I agree, this does look very modern for tattoos from the 1700s. Im just taken aback it's the first time ever hearing of this. Fiji yes has tattoos from ancient times but I've never heard of Tonga. I guess we learn something new everyday

[@lokozoa1813]

Okeeeeey, i have never seen nor herd of Tongan Tatau ever in My Life..only Samoans..😳🤔😬🤦🏾‍♂️

[@mrfin02]

Us Tongans have been doing Tatoos for centuries... until Christianity came. All were lost

[@G.I_BRO_SHOW]

@@mrfin02 The amount of proud ignorance on here is disgusting. And yes! Thank you!

[@madraakatsuki2380]

I’m full Tongan and born and raised in Tonga I never heard this tevaka stuff I only seen Samoans with that type of tattoo

[@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO]

I'm Samoan Mao'i and it's true after the band of the ta vaka tatau in Tonga many Tamali'is(High Chiefs) and Tulafale(Orator Chiefs) from the Tui Kanokupolu royal family still sailed here in Samoa to get a tavaka Tatau done by our Tufugas, Samoa and Tongan royals have a strong connection.

[@kaunz65]

Gotta learn bout ya history toko fr coz this is real Ain’t nothing new just hasn’t been practiced in a long time!

[@dyle52]

Coconet TV, could we please hear and see a more succinct video of the Tongan Tātatau and the work that has already gone into its revival throughout the years. Work by the late Su’a Suluape Paulo II with Terje Koloamatangi in Auckland. In Hawaii with Su’a Suluape Aisea Toetu’u , Rodney Powell and Su’a Suluape Petelo’s work in creating the Tā vaka. The years of research and robust discussion leading to the naming and reclaiming of this ancient Tongan practice, was not over night. The Tāvaka has its own sequence of designs and it’s own structure and format. For the Tongans who have never heard of our Tātatau, welcome to your inheritance - there is so much more waiting for you to rediscover. And to our Samoan aiga, we had our own Tātatau within Tonga, but with the issues of tapu surrounding the bodies of our hou’eiki/ nopele, this led them to go outside of this tapu, and be tattooed in Samoa. Look forward to more talanoa and documentation covering the practices and duties that come with wearing this sacred treasure. Malo ‘aupito Benjamin Work

[@ltmg9832]

I would love to hear and see more too. Perhaps we need our own platform. Tbh, Coconet TV do put out Islander stuff but not all…but it is majority of it is Samoan stuff I notice, which is nothing wrong with that. But for a channel network to cover ALL Pacific nations and occurances: they need to dig and cover deeper. Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong: Tonga won the Pacific Australia Netball series. Was there media coverage from them to highlight or cover that? Because I didn’t see that? Or that not big enough of it to not mention it? Regardless it still is an achievement. Coconet TV, if you are the channel for ALL islanders, make sure you dwelve in and dig much more deeper to cover ALL aspects of our island nations and not nitpick the ones you think is worthy to cover. Because it just seems as if you cover for your own but not be the fair ultimate platform for ALL. I’m not here to make waves. But in order for growth in production of stories to cover: honesty is key. Mālō!

[@freshapps8504]

Toko💘Uso stay solid and represent our identity hard 👑😎😎👑

[@takinimo7933]

Those commenting that they’ve never “heard” of Tongans having tattoos, this is because when the missionaries arrived in Tonga they preached the gospel and taught that tattooing was not Christian like. The Tongan people accepting Victorian Christian teaching banned tattooing. However they have always had the ta vaka until then and the oldest tattooing tools in the pacific was excavated in Tonga!

[@jmjm1920]

@Cellar Door Eastern Island of Fiji is Tongan Ancestors called Lau Group! Kohai Koau mo Momo 3 powerful Clans or Maui Tangaloa and Pulotu were the highest Title but not God who served the Tuitonga! Manuka highest chiefs Title from Tuitonga Ancient Practices called Tokatufa Umutakitaki! Papa'IFA Tuifalefa Malietoa Moengangongo Havea or Savea Ietonga Pulemelei PaTonga Hiapo Lalanga Lalava FaleTaonga etc is Tonga decented made! Peace🙏

[@increasepeace4996]

@Cellar Door correction, it WAS dead. It's starting to make a comeback.

[@hanzelloveday6231]

Cellar Door and your point is? Taki stated why it died out in Tonga and outlined how tattooing have always been in Tongan society well before it was a thing in samoan. With the oldest tattooing kits discovered in Tonga not Samoa🤷🏻‍♂️

[@increasepeace4996]

@@hanzelloveday6231 no it was the oldest SURVIVING tattoo kit. Not the actual oldest kit. It doesn't mean Tongans had it first.

[@ltmg9832]

I don’t think it really matters who did it first FFS! We’re all connected people! How the hell do you think others have tatau like French Polynesia and all the others! Of course we would have our own tatau! We just didn’t continue it because we went the colonial Christian way.

[@NaturallyRugged]

I remember as a student of Tupou Collage in Tonga in the 1980s in there small museum they had old Photographs of old Tongan people and they all had there Ta Vakas on

[@sharingannoitachi22]

Ive been to many tongan events and met with alot and not once did they mention this tongan Tatt ......

[@user-eb3tw4ge6n]

Did you ask? Lol

[@jocelynshaw7612]

Love this

[@Big_Poppa_Bear]

That's pretty cool #TokoUso #PolynesianLove #PacificRoots #TonganProud

[@JT-wh3dy]

I’ve never heard of the Tongan Tā Vaka but it probably got lost with the introduction of religion, just like a lot of other ancient Polynesian customs and traditions. I know a lot of Tongan elders who say tattoos are palaku (ugly/disgusting) and worn by criminals but again - probably from that religious influence crossing over into culture. It’s cool that it’s being revived though!

[@G.I_BRO_SHOW]

Those Tongan elders saying those things are the ones that were brainwashed deep into the colonial religious Christian ways. Which is sad.

[@HAAMOALIFE]

It's true the current rulers of tonga are known as Tui kanokupolu (a'ano o upolu) the first samoans in Tonga were the brothers of the Ancient Tui manu'a king, Tonga are our sacred brothers in the south (TongaTapu/Sacred South) see the conetion ☺ the difference between Samoa and Tonga is that Tonga is only consistent of one royal line and are remain untied, where there's Samoa we are divided due to us having to many royal line like honorable Natoaitele honorable Vaitamasualie honorable Nafanua honorable Malietoa honorable Ama and the ancient kings of Samoa honorable Tui A'ana honorable Tui Atua honorable Tui Fiti honorable Tui Tonga honorable Tui Pulotu honorable Tui Manu'a and Honorable Tagaloa lagi, our history is still alive through our oratory chants.

[@sefanahalaifonua5721]

to correct your tala tonga actually has 3 royal lines 1 tui tonga 2 tui haatakalaua 3 tui kanokupolu of the current and not the first samoans in tonga there were many before for example loau high chief in tonga from samoa so get your facts right mate

[@ltmg9832]

@@sefanahalaifonua5721 Yes and there were many chiefs in sections and factions before it confined into the 3 kings and then down to 1 crown today.

[@ironwood5470]

Respect!!

[@papakili1614]

Understand this. Samoa and Tonga are brothers and sisters. Very connected. Much love to my people. Tokuso