The initiation rite of
is a process of transformation that is grounded in Tongan values
who’s purpose is to shape the cultural leaders of tomorrow.
Koe Kamata a hono fksino mo fktoka ‘oe Tavaka Toetu’u, ko hono tuki mo nonofo ae ng mo’oni moe totonu ‘o hotau tukufakaholo, kene matu’uaki e feliliu’aki moe faliunga o taimi, ka malava ke ikuna o fkteunga’aki, ha kau taki lelei kihe kaha’u!
Upon completing their initiation obligations the selected candidates will receive the Tatatau and begin their lifelong journey of service to the community. All upstanding citizens of Tongan ancestry who are not affiliated with criminal organizations are welcome to apply. Those from other ethnicities who are active in a Tongan community may apply as well, but their Tatatau will reflect the cultural heritage that they bring with them.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Ta Vaka Toetu’u Society is to cultivate Tongan culture for future generations of Tongan men and their communities by sharing the philosophy and knowledge of the traditional art of Tatatau. There are a substantial number of Tongan men both in the Kingdom of Tonga and diaspora who are interested in receiving their Tatatau as a connection to their cultural identity. Ta Vaka Toetu’u will help channel this enthusiasm for the Tongan arts as a means to restore value back to our heritage.
The embodiment of Ta Vaka Tongan Tatatau, it’s associated rites, and the education that accompanies the process encourages men of the Tongan diaspora to maintain their connection to the islands and meaningful contribute to the evolution of Tongan identity. Culture is a constant negotiation between the living and the dead, and bearing the Ta Vaka will empower future generations to stay rooted in tradition while remaining limber and flexible like a limb of a tree that is ready to branch out and create new leaves. Ta Vaka is a vessel carrying the motifs that connect them with their anga faka’tonga, and instills self-respect, confidence, reverence, and humility. It is not just a decoration, but a commitment to serve God, our family, and the greater community.
THE JOURNEY
With many years of research and observation, Aisea Toetu’u dedicated himself to the reawakening of Tatatau Faka’tonga by studying with great Tufungas from different crafts. This led him to methodically reconstruct the Tatatau and its processes using the best information available, which he named Ta Vaka.
According to ToNgan dictionary
»TA« is defined as “to strike or draw a picture of, to perform or render.”
»VAKA« is defined as “embodiment, bodily abode of any supernatural or non-material being.”
»TOETU’U« is defined as “to stand again, revival and used also, in religious terminology, for the resurrection.”
»TA VAKA TOETU’U« is the re-embodiment of Tongan identity.
Our process was designed to guide Tongan men interested in receiving their Ta Vaka using an enriching cultural experience that is uniquely Tongan. We prepare and equip candidates with the knowledge and responsibilities needed prior to embarking this strenuous and life altering rite of passage. The initiation rite involves both physical and spiritual transformation grounded in Tongan values for the purpose of shaping cultural leaders of tomorrow.
At this time we only share detailed program information with candidates who have have proven themselves worthy and loyal. Plagarism is rampant and much of our hard work has already been stolen by others who are more concerned with making money rather than giving back to the community. Even the phrase “Ta Vaka” has drifted far from the meaning that Aisea originally gave it, and thanks to social media it has morphed into a generic word for Tongan tattooing. In order to maintain the spiritual integrity of our work we will continue to carefully guard our intellectual property.
IS MORE THAN JUST A TATTOO
If you are only interested in decoration there are plenty of other Tufungas who will give you a tattoo based on historical drawings that can easily be found using any search engine. The Ta Vaka Tatatau is the result of decades of collaboration with Tufungas from many different disciplines who’s combined knowledge was assembled in a modern design worthy of royalty. To be a leader is to serve, and therefore only those who are prepared to dedicate themselves to lives of service to their community will be considered as candidates to join the Ta Vaka Toetuu society.
THE TA VAKA TATAU is a commitment, not a decoration.
HOW LONG IS THE JOURNEY
Once your application is accepted the process to graduate from Candidate to Initiate and receive your Tatatau can take as little as three months, but possibly longer if obligations are not met. Some flexibility is possible but as this is a life changing experience it’s a good idea to plan for a time in your life when distractions are minimal. You will actively reconnect with the elements of nature as well as study Tongan culture in order to establish your place within it.
For more information or to begin your journey contact:
ta vaka toetuu at g mail dot com (no space)