The Rock tattoo meaning

In early 2003, “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson traveled to Hawaii to have his family history tattooed on him. Was done the traditional Samoan way (fuckin’ paiiiiiiiiiiinful), 3 sessions of 20 hours for a total of 60 hours. The Polynesian tattoo was composed entirely freehand (meaning the artist worked right on his skin without a stencil or transfer).

Traditional Samoan tattooing was done by an artist, assisted by multiple people. The tattooist would use two traditional hand tools, one a bone-tipped rake and the other the striking stick. The rake would be dipped in ink, then struck with the other stick to puncture the skin. The assistants had the job of holding the skin of the tattooee taut so that the artist could work.  Which mean, more pain for a longer time.
  

His tattoo is about 3 things
 – His family
 – Protecting his family
 – Having a very aggressive warrior spirit
In Dwayne Johnson’s own words:
A) These are coconut leaves, or niu, which denote a Samoan chief-warrior.

B) This is the sun which brings good fortune.

C) This isa/ga fa’atasi (three people in one). That’s me with my arms open. As it continues on my chest, it connects to my o lo’u to’a/ua (my wife, Dany) and my o lo’u afafine (my daughter, Simone Alexandra).

D) These descending swirls represent past, present and future, with the future becoming ever bigger. The pattern continues under my arm, where its meaning is written: “It changes in the place where it is found to be gone.”

E) These two eyes, called o mata e lua, represent my ancestors watching over my path.

F) This is the Great Eye, It’s an intimidating symbol that allows its user to possess the spirit of his enemy. The eye is used to distract the enemy in a confrontation.

G) This broken face, marked by shark teeth—a symbol of strength—is my spirit protector and a symbol of my struggle.

H) This is the priest and spiritual guide, who raises a warrior to enlightenment and supernatural power under the eyes of the warrior’s ancestors.

I ) These are stones of achievement and abundance. They’re the foundation of my life and symbols of my dedication. They bring the right to stand and speak with honor as a Tula Fale—a high talking chief—and they maintain mana, or supernatural power.

J) This is a tortoise shell, to deflect evil spirits. Warriors used shells as shields.”

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