The Swallow Tattoo

Legend has it that a sailor tattooed with one swallow had travelled over 5,000 nautical miles and a sailor with two swallows had travelled 10,000 nautical miles. Another legend is that since swallows return to the same location every year to mate and nest, the swallow will guarantee the sailor returns home safely. A sailor would have one swallow tattooed before setting out on a journey, and the second swallow tattooed at the end of their tour of duty, upon return to their home port. Also a swallow tattoo between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, denotes that the sailor has sailed around Cape Horn. It is also said that if the sailor drowns, the swallows will carry his soul to heaven. Continuing a series of new work using line, influenced bu folk art and nature. #illustration #design #folkart #nature #workinprogress