The frangipani flower at the center of this femenine Polynesian shoulder tattoo symbolizes beauty, and what is most important for Annie, for whom it was designed, is represented in its petals: a koru for her daughter, protected between father and mother, the lokahi for harmony with nature, and two birds that chase each other to indicate help and support always granted to the loved ones.
The general shape resembles a sun as a symbol of joy and eternity.
The tiki, the manaia, and shark teeth symbolize protection, while the Marquesan cross is for balance.
The turtle and the braids symbolize family union and the row of birds indicates the importance of travels.
The waves represent the ocean and the jellyfish symbolizes living in the flow, letting everything develop naturally, while the path of knowledge indicates what is learnt from these journeys and from the contact with other cultures.
The manta ray is a symbol of freedom and knowledge and includes symbols of stability (the mountains) and prosperity (the hook).
The star indicates its importance, the direction to follow.
The color legenda below helps identifying the individual elements within the tattoo: