Mauae

Design Story

In this armband tattoo prepared for Jens the turtle is central to symbolize the importance of family.
The head is made of a koru to represent a new start, surrounded by a sun made of mountains for positivity and stability.
The all-seeing eye on the shell is for protection and the two chasing birds below the turtle symbolize support always granted to the loved ones.
The initials of his children were placed on the front flippers of the turtle while the back flippers have waves going in opposite directions as a wish for the family to stay united through the good and the bad.

The rows of spearheads symbolize a warrior, strength, which changed the path of Kamehameha (a path full of adversities) into the octopus tentacle (tenacity and adaptability).
The birds on the sides symbolize this voyage.

The stepping stones are things learnt, which will bring balance and harmony (the Marquesan cross).

The waves on top symbolize change and the shark teeth at the bottom are for protection, like the tikis on the sides.