Pereora

Design Story

This Polynesian short sleeve tattoo was prepared for Michael and it represent the importance of family for him.

The close family is represented by the turtle right in the center, with his three children on the shell, protected by the hammerhead shark and surrounded by the extended family enclosing the whole shoulder.
The mere above them (shaping the head of the turtle) symbolizes loyalty and respect, and the two chasing birds below them symbolize help always granted to the loved ones.

The sun in front of the turtle, with coconut leaves around, is a symbol of joy and prosperity, like the fish, while the braids symbolize family union.

The path of Kamehameha in the past symbolizes a challenging path, faced by the warrior (within the hammerhead shark) to protect family and bring prosperity to it.
The spearheads are another symbol of the warrior, of strength and courage, the octopus tentacles represent tenacity and adaptability, and the stepping stones at the base symbolize achievements and things learnt.

The tiki on both sides protect family from all directions, and so does the all-seeing eye within the hammerhead shark.

The colored image below helps identifying the main elements within the tattoo: