Know your Ta'ovala

There is a secrete language wrapped up in a Tongan Ta’ovala or Mat.

Everything from how and where it's worn, to its size, the grade of the weave, it's decorations and even how old the mat is, tells a tale at a simple glance.

Nowhere else in the pacific are mats or Ta’ovalas worn so often, Queen Salote Tupou III even ordered the Taʻovala to become part of a Tongan civil servants' uniform.

In this ‘How to’ our Coconet guide Benjamin Work learns Ta’ovala 101 from local Tongan expert Favine Fakahau Lumsden who explains the do's and don'ts of Ta’ovala wearing.