Ihi

Design Story

This Polynesian half sleeve tattoo was prepared for Ernesto, to include and extend a small turtle tattoo he had on his shoulder.

Family is central on the shoulder, as shown by the turtle; the manta symbolizes freedom while palm leaves, fish and fish hook symbolize prosperity and the braids symbolize family unity.
Birds symbolize a voyage together while the lizard is a symbol of good luck and health.

Ancestors watch from above, and there are some relatives close to the family, represented by the 6 people around the turtle, one man and five women.
The dots show importance.

The shark and the hammerhead shark represent adaptability and tenacity to face every challenge toward prosperity, happiness (the sun), and success (the ahuahu o Mataora leading to the sun).

The spearheads with octopus tentacles on their sides symbolize the strength and tenacity of the warrior who never gives up.

The birds that go from the past to the future symbolize the voyage to the new life and the two tiki on the sides protect the family from all directions.

The stepping stones at the base represent everything learned and achieved.

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