Purutaa

Design Story

This Polynesian forearm sleeve tattoo was prepared for Travis and it was designed to integrate and expand a band he already had at the elbow.

He is represented as the warrior in the center, who fights with strength and adaptability to support everyone (the row of people above him around the sun, with braids symbolizing union and community), especially his two sons, represented by the two turtles closer to the sun (joy) surrounding the manta (freedom) with the Marquesan cross in it (harmony).
The sun is shaped by mountains for stability and the lizard is next to protect and guide them.
Each turtle includes the initial of a son and elements that relate to their qualities.

On the back of the arm, in the past, there are the path of Kamehameha for a challenging path, and the flight of the albatross to symbolize a voyage with opposing waves representing adversities.
In the future, this is balanced by a new voyage beginning with a koru, a new start.

The two tiki on the sides protect them from all directions and the stepping stones at the base represent all the things learnt, which serve as the base for whom he is now.

The following image shows with different colors the individual elements of the tattoo: