Looking for a leg tattoo

Factual Questions
1

This will probably die on the vine, but it is worth a shot.

Does anyone know where I can find a picture of a Micronesian leg tattoo of a stylized dolphin jumping out of waves? It is a very specific tattoo mostly done in the outer islands of Yap District. I am thinking about getting it, but I can’t find any tattoo artists who have seen one, so I am looking for a picture.

I have done all the standard searches: “Leg tattoos”, “Micronesian tattoo”, “Yappese tattoo”, “Tattoos of the South Pacific”, etc. and no luck.

Any ideas?

2

I ran a “Google” search for “dolphin tattoo yap”
and got http://life.csu.edu.au/marshall/html/tattoo/tattoo2-test.html

It was loading slow, and since it wasn’t for me anyway, I didn’t wait it out.

If you haven’t been there, it’s something. Also, if I read it right, the Yap called a dolphin “koko”. It might help your search.
-Rue.

3

Here’s another link for you:

It’s based on traditional Hawaiian design, it might be close.

Also a “Google” search, “tattoo dolphin polynesian”

This is kinda fun in a geeky sort of way. I’ll probably post more as I find stuff, till you tell me to stop. Or I get bored. You just can’t tell.

4

My third and final post. Today anyway.

http://www.justpacific.com/fiji/fijianart/cliffart/cliffpaintings.html
Halfway down there’s a Proto-Polynesian dolphin. It’s rock-art, but it might be close to an image you want.

http://www.myriahs.com/publishnewstuff2/temptattoos1.html
Hawaiian inspired art. It has a line of dolphins

A site synopsis says the Samoan word for “dolphin” is “masi-masi”. It might help a new search.

Good luck with your search and tattoo.

5

“Masi-masi” is Samoan for “mahi-mahi” not dolphin [the one you’re thinking of, i.e. marine mammal].

6

How’re you finding these very cool pages? I’ve been looking for a good Celtic dog symbol to tattoo on the small of my back…found not much online, even visiting Book of Kells sites. And libraries seem fairly devoid of good Celtic art books.

Sorry for the hijack. This is actually a blatant plug to get Rue to look for good resources for me. :slight_smile: I’ll send ya a photo of the finished design! :wink:

TV Time, good luck on your search…I think I know the sort of tattoo you’re talking about. I’ve seen them in Hawaii & they look really classy. Especially on smooth brown skin. woof.

7

Rue:

Thanks so much for the help. My server has been down for most of the day so this was the first chance to catch up. I haven’t had a good chance to read through the information yet. I just glanced at the sites hoping that I would not be cut off again. Once again thanks for all the help. You’re great.

Everybody else thanks, too.

…and Carina, you gave me an idea. I’ll check the web sites of tattoo parlors in Hawaii and Guam.

TV