The family (flax leaves) appears centrally both on the back and front
of the leg to symbolize its unending importance in the past as well as
in the future, with the son being central (the star next to the flax
leaves on the front) helping Dave to find a new perspective upon life
(the frigate bird next to the star).
Spearheads and shark teeth on
its sides symbolize the warrior who fights with adaptability and
strength to protect him.
On the sides of the ankle the fa´atigipusa motif represents pain, and
we used it with thorns to symbolize two painful moments.
The lines
above them going toward the front symbolize the voyage done to overcome
them.
The birds net, trochus shell, fish and pandanus leaves symbolize
prosperity.
The stepping stones at the base are the lessons learnt
and the octopus tentacle on top represents tenacity and adaptability to
face the changes that led him from the past to present and future.
The colored image below shows the main elements within the tattoo: