Design Story
This Polynesian manta tattoo for the shoulder was prepared for Jeff and it represents his life and family (the three turtles swimming in a row, enclosed within the hammerhead shark and the gecko.)
The hammerhead shark represents him, his tenacity and strength following the path to knowledge to go along the ahuahu o Mataora, the steps to success (represented by the outer sun made of mountains for stability), and the fern leaf is a symbol of maturity reached.
The gecko on the other wing is a symbol of protection and health.
The spearheads represent the warrior, with the "dancing flame" element where the tail meets the body of the manta as a reference to his passion/work.
The braids that encircle the turtles and friends symbolize union within family and with others.
Each turtle has references to Jeff's family and to their past, present, and future, with the past tracing the route for the present, and past and present for the future.
The colored image below highlights the individual elements within the tattoo:
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