This Polynesian sleeve tattoo for the forearm was prepared for Florian, and its three main elements are a hammerhead shark, a turtle, and a manta.
The hammerhead shark is prominent, protecting the turtle and the
manta above it, aided by the two tiki on the sides.
It includes
spearheads to symbolize strength and tenacity, and an all-seeing eye to
keep all evil away.
The tail of the manta is another version of spearheads, and the manta itself (freedom and knowledge) has tiki hands for protection through changes (the waves).
The turtle includes a Marquesan cross to represent family as his place of harmony, with flax leaves and braids for family union, and surrounded by a sun made of mountains as a symbol of joy and stability.
Other elements are the stepping stones along the bottom, for all the things learnt and achieved, shark teeth along the top edge for strength and protection, octopus tentacles for tenacity and adaptability, fish and fish hooks for prosperity, and a row of birds to symbolize voyages.
The colored legenda below helps identifying the main elements within
the tattoo:
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