Ahopapaa

Design Story

This thigh tattoo was prepared for Ricardo to symbolize the path that led him to success and what is important to him.

The sun symbolizing success is on top, representing the goal reached together with the turtle (family).
Flax leaves and people on the shell represent family union and friends, people who give him balance, harmony (the Marquesan cross) and whom he wants to protect and make prosperous (the coconut leaves).

The tiki surrounded by the aniata motif symbolizes protection from the ancestors, who stand guard on the family, while Ricardo is represented inside the hammerhead shark as the warrior who protects and guides his loved ones.
The nearby spearheads symbolize strength and tenacity, used to face every challenge toward success (the ahuahu o Mataora motif on the back represents the steps toward success, with the puhoro motif to symbolize quickness and physical prowess.

The colored image below helps identifying the main elements within the tattoo: