The pec part of this Marquesan style tattoo piece, which was prepared for Eduardo, was designed to cover and disguise an old tattoo without using a solid black patch.
On the pec, from bottom to top, there are symbols for brotherhood (alliance) which allows the people to reach prosperity together. The row of people follows a leader, the warrior guiding them. The net symbolizes community, generosity, and providing for the dear ones; the vai o Kena (Kena´s pool) is a symbol of status, respect and wealth.
The warrior symbolizes courage and tenacity (the centipede too is a symbol for determination and fighting spirit), and the tiki gives protection.
The flower, used to represent a star, symbolizes direction, goals to be achieved.
The manta above the centipede symbolizes freedom and knowledge, which must be fought for.
The breath of life has a row of flies above, and a fan above them, to symbolize birth, death and rebirth, life and death´s cycle.
Shark teeth are for adaptability and strength, and the bonito tail for swiftness and prosperity.
The arms of tiki bent upward are for growth and strength while the stepping stones symbolize achievements and things learnt through the adversities faced.