Paruru

Design Story

The main themes of this Polynesian armband tattoo designed for David are family, union and togetherness, strength, and respect.

Family unity is central, represented by flax leaves, braid, pandanus leaves, and fusi (ligature).
It is protected by the hammerhead shark and by spearheads, the strength needed to face every challenge (the path of Kamehameha).

A red tail tropic bird (a symbol of chiefs) guiding a row of birds represents the respected leader whom people follow and can count on.
Fish and fishhook represent prosperity, mountains stability, and the lōkahi below the flax leaves is a symbol of harmony and union between the world of people, spirits, and nature.

Two tiki bring protection from all sides.

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