Tahuhua

Design Story

This Polynesian short sleeve tattoo was designed for Andrea to bring protection upon what he loves.

A tiki with outstretched tongue surrounded by a sun made of mountains is at the center of the shoulder, while two tiki on the sides protect his journey (the row of birds) toward his goal (the star).
Above the tiki, the frigate bird symbolizes a higher perspective, a journey, and freedom, bringing balance and harmony (the Marquesan cross).
The path of Kamehameha symbolizes the path full of challenges that gave him knowledge (the fish hook) and prosperity (the fish).

The warrior in the center shares prosperity with friends (with braids symbolizing union), whom he shelters from enemies (the spearheads separating the enata on the sides of the net from the upside down ones below).
Adze and mere symbolize his skills and his role as a leader.

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