Fafarua

Design Story

This Polynesian manta tattoo was designed to go on Max's thigh with the tail following the quadriceps line down to the knee.

The manta represents freedom and the hammerhead shark in it, with a warrior and spearheads, represents Max's strength and tenacity aiming at a higher perspective (the frigate bird), within a sun to symbolize his positive attitude, which he brings to other people too.

The ahuahu o Mataora surrounding the shark is a symbol of the steps to success and it also represents physical strength.

On the back of the leg, the path of Kamehameha represents the challenges faced, which become stepping stones (things learnt and achievements) on the front side, with fish for prosperity.
Difficulties (thorns) and defeated enemies remain in the past.

The koru in the path of Kamehameha symbolizes new opportunities in every challenge, and there is a bigger koru on the side of the stones (things learnt) to symbolize how knowledge brings even greater opportunities: the path to knowledge that shapes the tail of the manta is the element that allows going from challenges to achievements.

The two tiki bring protection from every side.

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