This Polynesian shoulder tattoo that extends on part of the arm was based on a request by Vasil.
The turtle representing family and long life is central, with a cross
underlying it.
The two enata on the sides of the head of the turtle represent him and
his wife (with their initials nearby), surrounded by a sun for joy and
eternity and with a twist and a dot between them to symbolize the
importance of their union.
Right below them we included their daughter's name on the turtle shell
as a maorigram, with flax leaves for family union, and a Marquesan cross
in the middle representing balance between family (the braid and
seashell on one side) and work (the telecommunication tower and the
people guided by Kena on the other side).
The path of Kamehameha on both sides shows the challenges along the way, becoming smaller over time.
The ahuahu o Mataora symbolizes physical strength and prowess, and the steps that led him to where he is now, with tenacity and determination (the hammerhead shark), and adaptability and strength (the shark), while stepping stones at the base symbolize his achievements, which laid the foundation to his present life.
The colored image below shows the individual elements within the
tattoo: