Tā'amu

Design Story

This Polynesian turtle tattoo represents Rob´s family: on the shell we placed the couple symbol surrounded by a sun, with braids and flax leaves symbolizing family unity, and with two koru and frangipani flowers on the sides of the couple to represent their children, each one with the initial of their names next to it.
Chasing birds symbolize they´ll always be supported, while the star symbolizes how family will always be a fixed point in their life.

The back flippers themselves are a tiki hand for protections and a fish hook for prosperity while the front flippers have waves for the ocean and symbols for voyage and adaptability.

The canoe represent a voyage on boat, with stepping stones to symbolize all the things learnt along the way, and spearheads for strength and the warrior.

The tail of the turtle has a Marquesan cross for harmony and balance, close to the the steps of the ancestors.

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