The two main themes of this halfsleeve tattoo prepared for Mirko are his story and cooperation and unity among people.
The hammerhead shark symbolizes tenacity and determination to face adversities (the moray eel and the thorns) starting the voyage (the row of birds) that brings him knowledge and achievements (the stepping stones at the base), giving him freedom (the manta with the couple in it to symbolize marriage and a koru next to it for life and new beginning).
The octopus tentacles and spearheads in the center symbolize the warrior fighting for the whole community: the net above them is a symbol of prosperity, cooperation and community, and braids start from there to symbolize unity and to join past and present, ancestors and friends, all the people, represented here by the circle of enata that ends on top with a compass.
It symbolizes direction, people being the focus of his life as a warrior who brings them protection, support and prosperity.