This full leg Polynesian tattoo includes elements from Celtic and Norse traditions to honor Ryan's heritage.
Some colors were used for the three flowers representing three important women in his life.
The hammerhead shark represents tenacity and determination, facing pain (fa'atigipusa) and sorrow (the thorns) in the past to reach a new stability (the sun on top) and a new balance (the triskell is a symbol of life, death, and rebirth).
Other elements of this part are the manulua and braid symbolizing the
union of two families and unity, while the centipede represents the
fighting spirit (stepping stones at the bottom are the lessons learned)
to bring a change (the wave)
The tail of the lizard draws a spiral on the sun to symbolize renewal.
All along the leg, in the style of traditional Hawaiian tattoos, the
Kuhanu symbol represents creation and light coming out of darkness.
It has a koa'e'ula at the bottom to symbolize the voyage Ryan started,
and a lokahi on top to represent harmony with people, nature, and
spirits, as the goal of this voyage.
The lizard is a symbol of health and good luck, and it protects the
future.
The tiki is a protector, and we placed his father and mother below and
above it.
The row of birds represents voyage while trochus shells and coconut
leaves are symbols of prosperity, with spearheads for the warrior and
octopus tentacles for tenacity and adaptability.
The image below helps identifying the individual elements within the tattoo: