Cruisers have a lot of spare time on their hands. Some are super creative and make jewelry or garden while others create masterpieces out of driftwood.  A friend of mine, Carla on Ari B showed me some of her creations that she did as a “hobby” and I was blown away! 

Finding the “right” piece of driftwood that is good for carving and speaks to you is challenging.  I had two pieces of driftwood on the boat.  Both were being used to prop up sea shells (so not really used in other words).  I showed Carla and one looked like a turtle!  Game on.  She took the piece and said she would think on it to see if she could do something for me – and did she ever come through!

The Unveiling

Carla told me my piece was done about a week later.  I zipped over to her boat and was so pleased to see she had an official unveiling of her artwork.

Understanding the Polynesian Symbols

She then proceeded to walk me through the meaning behind each of her Polynesian symbols or designs.  I will only call out the larger designs as there are too many to list in a single blog.

Carla selected Polynesian symbols that reflected her opinion of me and my journey.  

Front and Side of the Turtle

• Behind the eye, on the neck is the “Marquesan cross” (cycle of eternity from life to death to life, ancestor, soul)
• Below the black circle is the “Tapa’s Sky” (sky of the goddess Tapa, goddess of lightening and storms, announcing the fertile rain.)
• Belly area is the large compass “He’o’o” which symbolizes navigation, guide, orientation, stars
• At the tail is the sea “Tai” which means to travel, migrate over the ocean
• Above the compass are many symbols including:
  • The turtle “Honu” (passage into another world, messenger between humans and the gods)
  • Sacred Divinity “Etua po’u” (a protector of spirits) looks like a “U” with 2 candle holders)
  • Tiki Look “Mata Tiki” (watch over someone or a family)
  • Two sacred turtles “Keakea” (keep bad spirits at bay, multiple protection by powerful beings)

Back and Tail of Turtle

• Hand “I’ima” (to give and be generous)
• Center of the back (mostly white) is Cetacean “Pa’aoa” (image of human being united with the aquatic world, protector, rescuer, unwavering friendship)

Top of Head and Back Side

• Across the top of its head is a turtle “Kea me te poka’a” which is to give life, protection of life
• Across the middle of the back (looks like a pitch fork with triangle) are Women Spirits “A’a hanaua” female warriors who protect
• Spiral “Kavi’I pu” (promise of life, someone who really wants to evolve or develop). White spiral
• Ear “Pua’ika” (always ready to listen and understand). Located to the right of the spiral
• Immensity of clear sky “Aki haupeka” (journey), symbols along the bottom near the tail looks (like a “Y” with a square in the center)

The final piece is nothing short of a masterpiece made from a simple piece of driftwood.  A small pearl for the eye and he is complete.

Events from this blog post occurred during mid-March.  Our blog posts run 8 weeks behind our adventures.