Kiwi Basketball player, Steven Adams is known for his good looks, glorious moustache, his height and of course the giant arm tattoo. He plays for an American basketball team, Oklahoma City Thunder. He was the first New Zealander to get selected by the Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 National Basketball Association Draft. Let’s explore his tattoo.
“Funaki” surrounded by Polynesian Design on his Right Arm and Chest
Tattoo: Funaki covered by Polynesian or Maori Culture Design
Meaning: Steven has inked his full giant arm with a Polynesian design. Earlier, the right forearm was inked with his middle name, Funaki, which was later covered by the Maori culture design- Polynesian tattoo. This tattoo pays tribute to his connection to his Maori culture (New Zealand) and Tongan roots (Tonga Island), on his mother’s side. This tattoo was inked by the tattoo artist, Tuigamala Andy Tauafiafi, who owns Wellington’s Taupou Tatau, Tattoo Studio. The New Zealand Herald interviewed the tattoo artist about steven’s tattoo. He said,” “He sat for about eight hours, but if you can understand that his forearm is probably someone’s whole arm. I thought, ‘man, he’s a big man’ – it took double time.” He added, ” I don’t want to go into too much about his tattoo because tattoos are a personal thing. All I can say about what we created for Steven was … the tattoo that he did get was half Maori and half Tongan. What we did represented family, strength and protection. With any Polynesian or Maori culture, those are the main things. I guess it’s to keep him grounded and have the support with him – not in body, but in spirit.” Steven posted a picture of himself and Mr Tauafiafi on Twitter, saying: “Thank you Taupou Tatau for the fresh ink. Much love, brother.”
