James came up all the way from Christchurch over 5 sessions to get this half sleeve chestplate done. He wanted Fantails and pohutkawa done in a Japanese style. I love doing jobs like this as they are a unique way to represent our part of the world, but have all the elements of a Japanese Tattoo that help make the tattoo be built to last and have stylistic longevity.
The New Zealand fantail, also known as Piwakawaka in Maori, has a cool tie-in with Maori myths, especially with the underworld, Rarohenga, where Ta Moko tattoos are said to have originated.
According to Maori legends, the Piwakawaka acts as a messenger, delivering news of death from the gods to people. Its quirky behavior and big eyes are because Maui, the legendary demigod, squeezed it tight for not spilling the beans about Mahuika, the fire deity and Maui's ancestor.
This myth adds a neat layer to how Maori see the Piwakawaka, as a bridge between the divine and mortal realms in their stories.
