Whakawawao

Design Story

This tattoo represents Geert, who requested it, his life and his passions.

The row of spear heads crossing it symbolizes the warrior who fights adversities (the path of Kamehameha and the moray eel) towards the future, protected by a tiki, a lizard and a manaia.

The left part of the armband is designed to recall the flag of Bonaire: waves shape the diagonal lines, enclosing the sun with 4 longer rays designed to recall a compass and with a Marquesan cross inside it for balance and harmony.
The frigate birds too recall Bonaire and they represent voyages and watching the world from a higher perspective. Shark teeth and the octopus are for adaptability and tenacity, like the hammerhead shark.
All of these sea creatures, the manta and the waves also represent Geert´s passion for diving.

The pec is entirely covered by the turtle (family, close to his heart) surrounded by a sun made of coconut leaves (positivity, success and prosperity).
A koru on the shell, flax leaves and braid represent his son and family union with the symbol of couple next to it.

The braids also recall a moon, enclosed inside the sun to represent impossible becoming possible.
The back fins are a sea shell (love, intimacy and safe shelter) and a fish hook, while an all-seeing eye is to guard them all from evil.