Matia

Design Story

This Polynesian tattoo for the pec was prepared for Geert to integrate a tattoo on his shoulder and complement the one we previously prepared for the other pec.

The row of flies is a symbol of death and we placed it on the side, toward the back, to symbolize something in the past, which was defeated (the row is broken).
The manta breaking through it symbolizes freedom and the all-seeing eye protecting the frigate bird in the center represents protection along this voyage.
The koru symbolizes life and new start, with a sun around it for positivity and joy.
The two stylized lizards are another symbol of good luck and protection blocking the flies.

The spearheads represent the warrior, and we placed a killer whale next to them to show his love for the ocean and the creatures living in it.

Mountains close the design mirroring the left pec giving unity to the two pieces.

The Tahitian word matia means to grow, to recover strength after illness.

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