Ta'ua

Design Story

This Samoan style half sleeve tattoo was designed to integrate a Celtic style band that Craig already had on his arm.

We placed a turtle for family centrally on the shoulder, with the ani ata motif representing ancestors and symbols for family union (the flax leaves and the braids).
Braids are also close to elements representing friends, to symbolize the union with family and the closest friends through all difficulties.

Adversities are represented by the path of Kamehameha and by the moray eels in the past, faced with strength and fighting spirit (the spearheads and the centipedes), leading to stability, happiness, and success (the sun on top of the shoulder, made of mountains).
The row of birds symbolizes this voyage toward prosperity while shark teeth symbolize adaptability, protection and strength, and waves change.

The stepping stones at the base represent all the achievements and things learnt that shape who he is now.

The fish, fish hooks, pandanus bloom and trochus shells are prosperity symbols.
The net that remains on the inside of the arm symbolizes prosperity and union, while the group of birds with one in front of the others symbolizes the leader.

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