Design Story

This Polynesian style gecko tattoo (mo´o´ārara in Tahitian) was prepared for Adam to celebrate his family, matching a tattoo on his left calf.

It includes him and his wife as a couple in the head of the gecko, guiding their daughters just below, represented by the two frangipani flowers with their initials disguised next to them.
A seashell and a fish hook on the front legs symbolize love and prosperity.

Flax leaves symbolize family unity, and the shark is the protector that guides them through every change (the waves), teaching them (the stepping stones for all things learnt) and protecting them from any adversity (the moray eel kept away) along the voyage of life (the row of birds).

The elements inside the shark are spearheads and an octopus tentacle for the warrior, strength, and adaptability, while mountains are for stability.

The colored legenda below helps identifying the main elements within the tattoo: