Tribal inspired Jagua tattoo

I had the opportunity and challenge to create a Hawaiian tribal inspired tattoo for a couple clients for their Canada Day party. this request definitely put me out of my comfort zone to design and apply a large scale jagua tattoo!

Before I could create these tribal tattoo for my clients, I did my research on Hawaiian tribal tattooing. I wanted to understand the history behind it and the meaning of this ancient art form to the indigenous Hawaiian people. I found that tribal tattoos, traditionally called kakau, originally represented the power and bravery individuals. The tattoo artists would draw into the skin of their clients by cutting the skin in the desired shapes and patterns, filling the opened skin with an ash-soot mixture, and letting it dry to leave a deep black color. This ancient tattooing method was quite painful and reserved for males, mostly. 

Every individual's tribal tattoo hold many possible a significant meanings such as life stories, struggles, and beliefs. To be respectful of the Hawaiian culture and history I had decided to avoid taking references of original tribal tattoos and instead creating my very own. I decided to create a design that was inspired by the ocean waves, native flowers, and common sea life found near the Hawaiian islands. My intention for these two pieces were to ultimately represent the beautiful nature of Hawaii!

Please enjoy the photos down below!

Jay