Fa'aitoitora'a

Design Story

This Polynesian tattoo of a manta was prepared for Yuval to represent the most important things in his life.
The manta itself symbolizes freedom, and family is absolutely central, starting from the turtle (which includes flax leaves for unity, a Marquesan cross for harmony, a seashell for love and intimacy, and a tiki hand for protection) to the couple (with him and his wife supporting each other) next to the two frangipani flowers and koru representing their children. The star in the middle symbolizes importance.
The couple and the children are joined together by a braid (family unity) and are surrounded by a sun made of mountains (joy and stability).

The two tiki on the wings protect family from all sides, and shark teeth symbolize protection in water, strength and adaptability.

The frigate near the tail symbolizes watching the world from a higher perspective, while the lizard is for health and good luck, with spearheads for the warrior.

The ahuahu o Mataora on one wing symbolizes challenges that lead to success, but also activity and competitiveness, while the net (community and service) and a row of people next to it to remind us that cooperation brings prosperity to everyone more than competition.

On the other wing, the path to knowledge symbolizes the wisdom to take decisions: the row of birds represents voyage, and the different one in front of them is used to symbolize leadership and individuality.

Fish and fish hooks symbolize prosperity.

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