Alalua

Design Story

This Polynesian full sleeve tattoo was prepared for Michael and it blends Tahitian and Hawaiian elements together to tell his story.

His life develops between Ku on one side and a turtle on the other, between being a warrior and family, and he is represented by the warrior below the Ku tiki, guiding other warriors below him.

Above Ku, there is a double path: in the past (the right side)the path is shared with other soldiers, and the main themes are voyages (mōlina and row of birds), fighting spirit (centipedes and spearheads) and tenacity (shark teeth and octopus tentacles).

On the left, from present into the future, his capacities are used to create, fishing and hunting with his sons with ancestors (and kumu for origins) as a constant reference.
This side of the tattoo has elements related to family union (pandanus flower, honu shell, braid) and prosperity (pandanus leaves, fish, fish hook, bonito tail).

Centipedes and the hammerhead shark leading to the mere represent his tenacity, strength and fighting spirit used to lead his company (the mere symbolizes a chief, respect), with Kuhanu, the breath of Ku, as the main symbol to shape the body of the hammerhead shark.

The manta where the two paths cross symbolizes the balance found, and it is made of waves as water has always been an important part of it, with the Marquesan cross representing the harmony he feels in water.
The lōkahi symbolizes balance and harmony with nature, and the dot represents the importance of all this.

The two tiki on the sides are to bring protection from all directions and on top, surrounded by coconut leaves for prosperity and a sun for joy, the woven mat symbolizes union and protection, with the turtle in the center representing his family: the couple in the center and four children, among braid and flax leaves to underline the union that they all share.

The stepping stones at the base symbolize his achievements and all the things learnt along the way.

The colored image below shows the main elements within the tattoo: