Oceania

He'e pa'i

Small octopus |September 08, 2025
by: GiErre

Design Story

This Polynesian style octopus tattoo was prepared for Jennifer's ankle as a homage to her daughter, to recall one time when a small octopus wrapped around her daughter's ankle.

Centrally, the head of the octopus is shaped by a bigger enata representing Jennifer, close to a smaller enata and frangipani flower representing her daughter.
The nearby braid symbolizes their union, while the two chasing birds with a star symbolize that her support will always be granted to her daughter.

On the back, the row of birds symbolizes voyages and the waves the ocean.
We designed the path of Kamehameha with challenges becoming each time smaller into the future, and there are spearheads and octopus tentacle to symbolize strength, tenacity, and adaptability facing them. Shark teeth are for strength and protection.

The lines representing the flight of the albatross symbolize long voyages and safe return.

The following image shows with different colors the individual elements of the tattoo:
Small Polynesian octopus tattoo for the ankle

Symbols/Meanings included:


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