Ma'o mamaru

Design Story

"Ma´o mamaru" is the Tahitian name of the whitetip reef shark and we used it to shape Helmke´s tattoo.

The fish hook on the tail symbolizes prosperity and the flight of the albatross starting there is a symbol for long voyages and safe return.
The waves are for the ocean and the people represent friends met along the way.

The koru indicates the beginning of this new path where the Lo kahi symbol represents harmony and balance with nature.

Kena and Tefio represent the couple and the chasing birds nearby symbolize that they will always be there for each other, protected by the two enata on the fins of the shark.