Okereba

Design Story

This Polynesian tattoo for the ankle was prepared for Shannon, who is represented by the flower of hibiscus (beauty, femininity), with her children on her sides (the two frangipani flowers, which also symbolize safe shelter), and her husband represented by the turtle shell motif.
Family is central, and we placed a braid and two chasing birds next to it to symbolize union and support always granted to the loved ones.

A hammerhead shark motif was included for tenacity and adaptability, lō kahi for union and harmony between the world of men, spirits, and nature, and a fish hook for prosperity and knowledge.

On the foot, the star symbolizes direction, and the canoe is adventure.
The sun is for joy, with waves nearby and a frigate bird to represent voyages and watching the world from a higher perspective.
The manta symbolizes freedom and knowledge.

Koru were placed in the past and in the future to represent continuous growth, while the whole design recalls a stylized scorpion to symbolize passion.

The following image helps locating the individual elements within the tattoo: