Vetea

Design Story

This Polynesian tattoo for the thigh was designed for Michaela to remember two members of her family who are not here anymore, and whom she misses dearly.

A turtle is central, bolder than the rest, to represent how family is most important for her, and a source of stability.
She's protected by the tiki, with flax leaves for family unity and a frigate bird as a symbol of direction through any change and adversity (the opposing waves on the front flippers).
Several plumeria flowers surround the turtle, and the koru symbolizef life and new beginning.

The upper stripe represents Michaela's life while the lower stripe includes two letters for the two members who were separated from her.
The hammerhead shark symbol connects them together as their memory always stays with her, giving her strength and resilience facing every challenge (the ahuahu o Mataora), and one in particular is still in Michaela's life as a guardian angel (the manaia).
The teeth of taniwha are a symbol of protection while the pakura on top is a symbol of descent and family.

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