This tattoo is part of a triptych, a series of three tattoos requested by Francesco to symbolize a path, both real on his skin and ideal, from earth to sky.
This manta ray is the first of the three, small and closer to earth, to the roots, with a tiki giving protection, mountains for stability and the hammerhead shark motif paired with the manta to symbolize "quiet strength" and spear heads in the tail for strength, the warrior.