Erepuru

Design Story

This Polynesian half sleeve tattoo extending onto pec and shoulder blade was prepared for Christopher to cover a small letters tattoo while representing his family.

We turned the initials into the turtle representing family, with a warrior to protect it (together with the two tiki on the front flippers) and braid and flax leaves for family union.
It is surrounded by a sun for eternity and joy, which also includes E and C on one side for the couple, and S and J on the other side for their children.

Next to the turtle, four enata symbolize 4 members of the extended family.

The pec part includes coconut leaves, fish, and fish hook for prosperity.
The ponapona motif next to the row of birds is to symbolize voyages and activities together, with mountains and waves to represent both land and sea.

We used the manta to represent freedom and peace, with his children and wife being part of it, and with friends being a constant presence.
The lōkahi motif symbolizes balance between the world of people, spirits, and nature, and we added mountains on the sides for stability.
Te ha symbolizes life and the hammerhead shark tenacity aiming for the sun (joy).
The ahuahu o Mataora symbolizes the steps to success, and both family and friends are related to it.
The stepping stones at the base symbolize achievements while ancestors guard the family from above.

The two tiki on the back represent his parents, with their initials next to them, and the moray eel stands for their deaths, which brought a challenging path (the path of Kamehameha) that was faced with tenacity, adaptability, and strength (spearheads, octopus tentacles, and shark teeth) to reach the present life.

The lizard is a wish for good luck and health.

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