Tamata are small metal ex votos, representing parts of the body in need of healing or some person or thing to be prayed for. They are bought by worshippers and placed near the icons in Greek Orthodox churches. The literal translation of the word 'tama' is a promise or vow. The petitioner promises to perform some good deed or to undergo some moral or spiritual improvement if the favour requested is granted.

When British sculptor John Davies was living in Thessaloniki, Greece, he became interested in tamata, and the related custom of planting votive candles in trays of sand at the wayside shrines found on the bustling streets of every Greek city.

Davies took tamata as the theme of his first real excursion into printmaking. Working at the Hope (Sufferance) Press with the printer Simon Marsh, he produced a series of etchings and aquatints. The colours were inspired by Rizla cigarette papers. Additionally, Davies worked over some of the surfaces in pastel or wax to add texture, lustre and a sense of supernatural vitality.