Ahonui

Design Story

This Polynesian armband tattoo was prepared for Jochen.
The turtle is central, surrounded by a sun and with the couple on the shell, with their two children represented by two frangipani flowers.

On the left, the path of Kamehameha (a challenging one) is overcome by tenacity and determination (the hammerhead shark protecting the turtle), adaptability (shark teeth) and perseverance (bonito tail), while the wave symbolizes change.

The net is a symbol of prosperity and community and the chasing birds symbolize help always granted to the loved ones, joined around the arm by the seashell (love and intimacy) and by the manta.
Braid and flax leaves are symbols of family unity, protected by the lizard, while ancestors are on top, guarding on the family.

Stepping stones at the base symbolize achievements and things learnt.

The following image shows with different colors the main elements of the tattoo: