Design Story
This Polynesian half sleeve tattoo prepared for Matt is part of a larger piece dedicated to wa'a (Polynesian canoe) racing, composed by the two half sleeves joined on the back by a manta ray.
There are some common elements in all three parts: spearheads, octopus tentacles, shark teeth, rows of birds, and tiki.
On this arm, we designed a wa'a with the 6 paddlers in it.
They are all made from the same enata, but have different details, to
symbolize how everyone has the same importance and a specific role in
the team.
The outrig is made of spearheads to symbolize the warrior spirit, while
the lokahi on the prow of the canoe symbolizes the union with nature,
people and spirits, the total balance felt when focused on a common goal
(the star in front of the canoe).
The ahuahu o Mataora with the puhoro motif represents the steps to success, and speed (the puhoro actually represents the ripples formed by the canoe through the waves).
Both right and left sleeves have stepping stones at the base to symbolize all the things learnt and achieved.
The colored image below shows the main elements within the tattoo:
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