Modern Marquesan and Hawaiian shoulder and upper arm piece

This piece was created to symbolize this person’s marriage, family, freedom, his late mother and love of riding motorcycles. All sections, or paka, are connected with niho (teeth) the number of which correspond to the Fibonacci sequence 1,1,2,3,5.

Here is a breakdown of the tattoo:

a) hulu= feather: symbolizing freedom, flight, and direction that pertains to his occupation as a long haul truck driver

b) lei niho= garland of teeth: this forms the foundation for his family. There are 2 niho that are filled with lauhala (pandanus weave) that represent himself and his wife.

c) iti’iti’i= binding: this paka represents marriage.

d) ka makani= wind: this symbolizes his love of riding motorcycles and the freedom that brings.

e) etua manu= deified bird: this symbol represents his late mother. It is placed on his shoulder so that she can help guide him as well as look over him.

f) na mata= eyes: this symbol represents eyes that look out for any harm, as a protective device.

Thanks for looking!

Aloha!