Vairoiroi

Design Story

This Polynesian manta tattoo designed for Ezra'a back blends Polynesian elements, mostly Samoan, with more realistic parts like the central flower of plumeria and the Japanese-styled waves of the lower part.

The frangipani flower is central, surrounded by a sun and by braids to represent joy and union found in family.
This is also represented by the flax leaves on top and by the 6 birds that shape the initial part of the tail.
They are central to represent a turning point between past and present/future, represented by the similar elements on the two sides

Following the Samoan style, the two sides look symmetrical despite minor differences that help tell the story, like the moray eel (adversities) and fa'atigipusa (pain) in the past, and fa'aanufe (family) and lōkahi (harmony) in the present.

Fish represents prosperity and spearheads all around represent the warrior, her strength through every situation.

The frigate bird on top symbolizes the voyager and a new higher perspective.

The realistic waves below the manta are matched by the ones along the bottom of the manta as a joining elements between the two styles.

Red accents were added as a symbol of wealth and good fortune.

The Tahitian word vairoiroi indicates "smooth water, unruffled by the wind".

The colored image below helps identifying the main elements within the tattoo: