Dec 7, 2015
Mekeo backpiece displaying centipede and frigate bird symbolism, and Mekeo torso designs, ca. 1915. The V-shaped mark running from the shoulders to the center of the sternum denotes marriage, and the “spirit bird” motif below the neck in the shape of the double “M” is perhaps symbolic of the frigate bird. A “star” or concentric diamond pattern is illustrated between the navel and breast, and zigzagging tattoos under each breast represent the centipede; other motifs are known simply as patterns used in tattooing.
