Tiai

Design Story

This Polynesian half sleeve tattoo prepared for Pedro revolves around four main themes: family, warrior, prosperity, and protection.

Family is represented by the turtle in the center of the shoulder: it includes two plumeria flowers for his daughters, with the initials PA between them, and with Pedro below granting support.
The star shows their importance, tiki hands provide them protection through any change (the waves), the fishhooks bring prosperity, and the lōkahi symbol represents harmony and balance.

The turtle is surrounded by a braid, a symbol of family unity, which also reaches to the extended family, all together below the turtle, supporting it.
The importance of family unity is also represented by the flax leaves at the base.

The manta ray symbolizes freedom, placed here next to the family as it's where Pedro feels free.
Centrally within the manta there is a lizard, a symbol of health and good luck, while the spearheads represent strength and the warrior.

In the past, thorns and fa'atigipusa symbolize adversity and pain, faced with tenacity and determination (the hammerhead shark), and adaptability (octopus tentacles and shark teeth) throughout the journey represented by the birds and mōlina.

There are still challenges in the future (the path of Kamehameha), but the taniwha is a protector that keeps dangers and evil spirits away.
The two facing tiki around the arm are also protective symbols that guard all directions.

On top around the shoulder fish and coconut leaves symbolize prosperity, and the sun represents happiness.

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