
Here is the breakdown of the semiotics or symbols used to create this tattoo. It is important to note that when a symbol has been repeated, as is typical of Polynesian tattoo, that the same numeral will be used to identify that symbol.
A characteristic of traditional Polynesian tattoo is the constant evolution, if you will, of the symbols themselves, whether it were applied to a war club, canoe or the body,etc. This constant evolution and tweaking of the symbol(s) has to do with the ‘function’ of that specific symbol in relation to how and where it is placed and in what context to the body or form. Because the Marquesan’s viewed themselves as being one with their personal and sacred possessions (which in turn gave them a direct tie to their divine creator and solidified their status amongst their respective tribe) the symbols themselves take on a ‘life’ of their own and will often appear different despite retaining their true meaning.
Therefore, if you see the symbol of nalu, for example, and it appears differently throughout the context of the tattoo know that it is indeed, a wave.
The client approached me wanting to combine three existing piece that she had in different locations on her body: The ‘cross’ symbol between her shoulder blades, the stylized tribal piece on her lower back and the circular motif on her ribs, respectively.
She paddles canoe and so wanted the overall piece to be representative of the ocean. She also wanted to mix traditional Marquesan with my own style, Ana’ole. We discussed some of the symbols that she wanted to incorporate, but the majority of them she left to me to compose. Here is what I came up with.
The following definitions will be stated by either their respective Hawaiian or Marquesan names first.

A
1: Nalu (ocean wave)– strength, power and beauty.
2: Poka’a (wooden shoulder support used to suspend and carry a pole)– strength, tenacity.
3: Mata Hoata (brilliant eyes, all seeing eyes)– a divine symbol of protection that keeps the wearer protected. Also intended to cause fear in the hearts of enemies.
4: ‘iwa (Frigate bird)– symbol of dualities, in this case meant to protect the wearer and lead her back to land should she become lost at sea. In this instance the bird is flying from the land out to sea and in doing so becomes a wave.
5: Tiki– symbols of divine creation, the row of 5 represents a number from Fibonacci Sequence (FS).
6: Nalu (ocean wave, Ana’ole style)– strength, power, beauty, inset with FS.
7: Ka’ake (raised arm)– considered by Gell (1998: Chapter 8.9, p176-7) to be a climbing symbol, I tend to agree with Handy (1922, plate XXVI) that the symbol is an upraised arm symbolizing strength and power. The ka’ake itself is comprised of a subset of symbols, most notably hope vehine which are a symbol of divine female siamese twins.
8: Niho (teeth)– teeth are used in contemporary Hawaiian tattoo to represent family members and/or the warrior spirit. It was used as an adjunct in Marquesan tattoo to fortify or protect the design. I also believe that it was used so prolifically because of the fact that many Polynesians were cannibals and this displayed such intent perfectly. It is used here as protection.
9: Lau ki (Ti leaf, Ana’ole style)–sacred to the god Lono and used to appease the gods, this symbol represents protection from evil spirits and good fortune.
10: Nalu (ocean wave, Ana’ole style)– inset with ka’ake and palm fronds, this is a symbol of shelter, strength and unity as well as royalty.
11: Hei poi’i (wreath of poi’i)–Poi’i were shellfish that the Marquesans and other Polynesians used as currency because they contained mother of pearl. This is a symbol of stature and prominence.
12: Etua (Godling)– etua symbolizes the divinity that they represent, in this case Kanaloa, god of the sea.
13: Ho’i’o (Fern head)– similar to the Maori koru, this symbol represents the cycle of life, of rebirths and new beginnings. It is a symbol that also naturally represents the Golden Ratio.

B
1: Poka’a (wooden shoulder support used to suspend and carry a pole)– strength, tenacity.
2: Mata Hoata (brilliant eyes, all seeing eyes)– a divine symbol of protection that keeps the wearer protected. Also intended to cause fear in the hearts of enemies.
3: Hala, ano, mua (past, present and future waves, Ana’ole style)– this symbol is one of personal growth and can be used to represent the leaving the hardships of the past while looking forward to a bright and prosperous future.
4: Niho (teeth)– teeth are used in contemporary Hawaiian tattoo to represent family members and/or the warrior spirit. It was used as an adjunct in Marquesan tattoo to fortify or protect the design. I also believe that it was used so prolifically because of the fact that many Polynesians were cannibals and this displayed such intent perfectly. It is used here as protection.
5: Ka la (the sun)– a symbol of power above all else save the divine, this positive symbol represents life, healing and peace. It is seen here with augmented with an ho’i’o.
6: Tiki (forward and backward facing divinities)– in this instance the tiki protect the wearer from adversity that she may encounter overtly or surreptitiously.

C
I apologize for the poor quality of this photo!
1: Lau pama (palm fronds)– represents royalty, shelter and unity.
2: Kea (turtle shell)– kea are considered the female equivalent of the male etua symbol and pertains specifically to turtles, turtle shells, and woodlouse. They are manifestations of divine power and protection.
3: Etua (Godling)– etua symbolizes the divinity that they represent, in this case Kanaloa, god of the sea.
4: Nalu (ocean wave)– strength, power and beauty.
5: Niho (teeth)– teeth are used in contemporary Hawaiian tattoo to represent family members and/or the warrior spirit. It was used as an adjunct in Marquesan tattoo to fortify or protect the design. I also believe that it was used so prolifically because of the fact that many Polynesians were cannibals and this displayed such intent perfectly. It is used here as protection.
6: Maka nui (all seeing eye, Ana’ole style)– this is a modernized symbol of the mata hoata and is imbedded with 2 niho to represent FS.
7: Pohaku wa wahi wa’a (stone hammer used to smash canoe hulls, Ana’ole style)– this symbol represents the tool used to smash the hulls of enemy canoes. It is used in this instance to demonstrate that the wearer is a paddler and bad ass.
8: ‘iwa (Frigate bird)– used in correlation with the first instance of ‘iwa on her back, this twin symbol of two ‘iwa converging to create the symbol, mata komoe or death mask is a protection symbol. This symbol ensures that the wearer will be protected from death by both the ‘iwa and the image of death itself.
9: Kea (turtle shell)– kea are considered the female equivalent of the male etua symbol and pertains specifically to turtles, turtle shells, and woodlouse. They are manifestations of divine power and protection.
10: Etua (Godling)– etua symbolizes the divinity that they represent, in this case Kanaloa, god of the sea. In this instance there are three alternating to coincide with FS.
11: Hikuhiku atu (bonito tails)– bonito are very strong and fast swimmers, this symbol imparts those characteristics to the wearer.
12: Ka’ake (raised arm)– considered by Gell (1998: Chapter 8.9, p176-7) to be a climbing symbol, I tend to agree with Handy (1922, plate XXVI) that the symbol is an upraised arm symbolizing strength and power. The ka’ake itself is comprised of a subset of symbols, most notably hope vehine which are a symbol of divine female siamese twins.
13: Tiki– symbols of divine creation.
14: Ho’i’o (Fern head)– similar to the Maori koru, this symbol represents the cycle of life, of rebirths and new beginnings. It is a symbol that also naturally represents the Golden Ratio.
All typographical errors are purely intentional. 🙂
Thank you for your time and I hope that you enjoyed your stay. Aloha! Roland