Tipuna wahine

Design Story

Andrea requested this tattoo to symbolize his family and honour a member that has passed away, represented by the human figure in the middle just below the head of the turtle (the ipu is often used to symbolize an ancestor and it represents femininity and fertility).

It´s surrounded by a sun as a symbol of positivity and eternity and it has protected (and still protects) the family (the flax leaves below) keeping it together (the braids on the sides).

Spear heads inside the right front flippers are for courage and tenacity while shark teeth are for strength and adaptability.
Waves in the left front flipper recall water and swimming.