Tira

Design Story

Philip asked us to integrate his kirituhi sleeve extending it onto the shoulder towards the pec.

On the back part, a manaia represents a guardian angel, a family member who passed away and who is now watching over the family (the rito motif that shapes the tail of the manta).

The rest of the design is the manta itself, with a double spiral representing him and his wife meeting, their union (a braid) which gave birth to their three children, represented by three koru.

A stylized bird and a wave (next and inside the manta´s mouth) represent their voyages to come.

The tail of the manta enforces the meaning of strength.