Pananu

Design Story

This relatively small Polynesian tattoo of a whale shark is packed with meanings related to Pete's life.

His story develops from the tail to the head of the shark, overcoming the initial adversities (moray eel) and challenges (the path of Kamehameha), following the path to knowledge with courage, strength, and adaptability (spearheads and shark teeth) to find a new freedom (the manta) and a new perspective (the frigate bird on top) with new goals to chase (the star representing direction).
The koru symbolizes new beginning and the breath of life and lōkahi were added to symbolize this new life.

The turtle representing his family is on the front of the manta, to show how it was instrumental in his voyage, with his three children and wife on the shell.

Two tiki bring protection from all sides and the sun made of mountains around the turtle is for joy and stability.

The Tahtian word pananu can be translated as "to flow like the tide of the sea".

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