Papaate

Design Story

This Polynesian armband tattoo was prepared to honor Toms' family.

The turtle on the outside of the arm is the central focus, and it has his family members' initials on the four flippers, with parents on the front flippers pushing the turtle forward and protecting the children on the back flippers.
The Marquesan cross is for harmony while braids and flax leaves are for family union.
Next to the turtle there are chasing birds (support always granted to the loved ones) on one side and the sun with a tiki on the other (joy and protection).

The manta is a symbol of freedom and knowledge, and the people below the manta represent close friends.

Fish and fish hook symbolize prosperity while the stepping stones represent achievements.

The hibiscus flower stands for carpe diem, living life fully, with the lizard and the all-seeing eye protecting it, while shark teeth symbolize strength and adaptability, and protection in water.

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