"Discover Authentic Polynesian Tattoos: A Legacy of Ancient Art from Tonga & Fiji"
Tattooing the Legacy of Polynesia: The Artistry of King 'Afa
In the hands of King 'Afa, tattoos become more than inked skin—they are living artifacts of a civilization that has thrived for millennia. Rooted in the ancient traditions of the Lapita pottery culture from Fiji, dating back to approximately 976 BC, King-Afa’s work channels the first Polynesian migrations that shaped the Pacific. His art draws from the oldest Polynesian civilization in Tonga, a culture 3,000 years old, and honors Samoa’s storied tattoo heritage, which spans over 2,800 years.
King 'Afa’s creations are not merely tattoos; they are a profound connection to the ancient world, a narrative etched into the skin that resonates with cultural depth and historical significance. For professionals seeking collaboration on custom tribal or authentic Polynesian tattoos, King 'Afa offers a unique opportunity to engage with a master whose work is a testament to the enduring legacy of Pacific Island traditions. His art is a bridge between the ancient and the modern, inviting you to be part of a story that has been 3,000 years in the making.
About Us: Kalia Tattoo
Introducing King 'Afa: a pioneering Polynesian tattoo artist, creative art director,Pacific Islands; Polynesian cultural ambassador, and resilience advocate, known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and bridging cultural divides through art.
With island roots deeply embedded in the tropical Pacific Islands of Tonga and Fiji, King 'Afa carries a profound understanding of the South Pacific's traditional cultures. Trained by elder masters in the ancient traditions of Polynesian and Melanesian societies, he bridges the wisdom of the oldest Tongan and Fijian perspectives with the Westernized and Americanized interpretations of Polynesian art and culture. His work preserves the authenticity of these traditions while navigating their evolution in modern contexts.
King-Afa grew up in the tropical Pacific Islands of Tonga, Fiji,CNMI Marianas, New Zealand and South East Asia Malaysia, came to America alone in 2002 with a backpack and a dream. He did not travel to America like most of the Polynesians who came with their parents and relatives. He is now based in Los Angeles, California, US, and travels to tattoo private clients across the US. He is renowned for tattooing foreigners with Polynesian tattoos, and his groundbreaking Polynesian art collaborations and transcendent creations using Pacific Island art, history and culture.
"I was able to navigate and overcome the negative stigma associated with tattoos and reshaped the perceptions of tattoo."
From the gritty rough streets of Los Angeles and the Bay Area California street gang infested neighborhoods, to the polished realms of Hollywood Los Angeles and corporate America, he has elevated his art of tattoo from its garage stages to a respected art form embraced by professionals across various industries.
King-Afa is a member of the House of Kalia Tattoo which was the first certified professional worldwide Tongan Tattoo since established in 2001 with his brother Carl "KALia" Cocker, George "Papa" Cocker and Peliasi "SOA" of www.kaliatattoo.com
King-Afa's Polynesian tattoo art work has graced a diverse range of clientele ranging from entertainment luminaries to everyday enthusiasts, from University Professors, Attorneys, medical doctors, ER nurses, paramedics, US military armed forces, law enforcement officers, prison sheriffs and correctional officers, fire fighters, commercial welders, construction workers, business owners, and many other professionals.
"Polynesian tattoo is an ancient written communication system developed 2800+ years ago, to pass on history of Polynesian people"
ABOUT MY MISSION
"You tell me your story, I transform your life story into abstract art, using ancient symbols and patterns of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia of the Pacific Islands "
- KING 'AFA
Important Notice Regarding Tattoo Retouch Work:
Please be aware that retouch work is not provided free of charge, as it involves various costs and substantial efforts.
To maintain the quality and safety of your tattoo, we must allocate premium tattoo supplies, set up a dedicated station, utilize multiple pairs of gloves throughout the tattoo process, employ various materials such as tattoo ink, alcohol, barrier covers, electricity, and tattoo ointment.
Additionally, the station needs to be disassembled and prepared for post-tattoo care.
A commission for my craftsmanship is necessary to cover these expenses and ensure the best results.
For returning clients seeking retouch work, it's essential to understand that I'll be putting in the same level of dedication and following a similar process as our previous session, albeit with different equipment and tattoo ink.
It is crucial to remember that your tattoo is a lifelong investment, and the adherence of tattoo ink can be influenced by several factors:
Skin Trauma:
Extended tattoo sessions can cause inflammation of the skin's epidermis and dermis layers, affecting the tattoo ink's adherence to skin tissue fibers.
Tattoo Ink Molecules:
They may adhere to inflamed skin tissue fibers as in fresh healing burned or sunburned skin, making it challenging for your skin tissue to accept additional tattoo ink.
Foreign Substance:
Tattoo ink is a foreign substance introduced into your skin, which can lead to rejection, especially with excessive ink and prolonged skin trauma.
Skin Changes:
Changes in your skin due to contact sports injuries, accidents, surgeries, skin conditions such as boils and cysts, or sunburn can damage and/or stretch the skin tissue fibers.
Fibrous Skin:
The presence of fibrous skin - very tough thick skin type with tightly compact skin tissue fibers will require a longer tattoo procedure.
Please understand that individuals with significant muscle growth may often require tattoo touch-up procedures as their skin stretches and the tattoo ink will thin out over time.
Your understanding of these factors will contribute to the longevity and quality of your tattoo.
Comprehensive Information for Diverse Skin Complexions and Older Ages:
It is crucial to consider the unique aspects of tattoo procedure concerning both skin complexions and age, as these factors can significantly impact the process and outcomes.
For people in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s,70s, specific considerations come into play.
Those returning for retouching tattoo several years later, it is important to acknowledge that aging can significantly impact your skin's condition.
As your skin matures, it tends to change and become aged, tough, and may develop a leathery texture or a thin paper texture.
The aging process results in the skin tissue having loose fiber tissues, and tattoo ink pigment molecules require these fibers to adhere effectively.
Therefore, for clients in older age brackets, it is important to recognize that the quality and longevity of a tattoo may be affected by these changes in the skin.
Lighter skin tone complexions are particularly susceptible to losing elasticity as collagen decreases with age, making the tattoo process more challenging.
The skin tissue often has loose fibers, which play a crucial role in how tattoo ink adheres.
Therefore, it is essential to proceed with a deliberate and gentle tattoo procedure to ensure the best possible results.
Darker skin tones can be more prone to keloid scars, making it vital to approach tattooing with extra care.
To minimize the risk of scarring, we adopt a slower tattooing procedure, ensuring we avoid over damaging the skin tissue fibers, which can lead to adverse reactions.
Discover Authentic Polynesian Tattoos: A Legacy of Ancient Art from Tonga & Fiji at KingAfa.
I am committed to providing the best possible tattoo experience for clients of all ages, with my ability to adapt to various skin types, skin tones, and understanding the unique challenges that may arise with older age skin.
Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are always top priorities, and understanding these factors enables me to provide you with a tattoo experience to ensure that your tattoo remains a cherished and lifetime work of art.