Apopo

Design Story

This feminine Polynesian tattoo for the shoulder is coupled with another one that we designed for Tereza and it connects to it continuing her story onto the shoulder, where the central lotus brings her joy (the sun), freedom and beauty (the manta), and her path goes on (the row of birds) leading to her heart (her destination).
The manta has a warrior on a wing (her) and a lizard on the other (protection) and it is connected to the two frangipani representing her children as they are a central part of her.

The elements helping her along the path are strength (spearhead), and tenacity and adaptability (octopus tentacles, shark teeth), which bring new learnings and achievements (the stepping stones).

Fish for prosperity and ancestors are always with her, and the chasing birds symbolize support always granted to the loved ones.

The lotus is in full color to symbolize the new colors that this new way brought, and the fullness and beauty of life.

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