Polynesian Princess - The Little Mermaid in Samoa

In anticipation for disney newest princess Moana, I am creating a Disney Princess series based off island cultures in the South Pacific. I love to imagine how the stories and princesses would look like if they lived on the island of Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, and New Zealand (Aoteoroa) etc. I am super excited to watch Moana however I have to wait until November so this will help pass the time. 
   

Our first Princess is based on the Little Mermaid who is set against the backdrop off the coast of Samoa. In most Polynesian legends, mermaids had legs and feet instead of tails. They only come on shore to sleep at night but spends the rest of their days living under the sea.

As a Palagi (rough Samoan translation for outsider), I am use to seeing a mermaid with a tail but I enjoy the Polynesians' take on the legend. I admit I took some artistic liberty to give scales on her legs to make her stand out against her lover. You will notice the black lines on their bodies are inspired by the traditional tattoos of Samoan. Men will tattoo from their knees to their belly button, buttocks, and hips while the women can have tattoos on their legs and sometimes on their hands. The tattoo design for men are called a Pe'a while the women's are known as a Malu. 

Our Prince in this version is the son of a powerful Ali'i or high chieftain. He was caught in a storm on his way back from a fishing trip when his outrigger capsized. He was injured by the sharp rocks and was knocked out. Luckily, a beautiful Samoan mermaid who was collecting thingamabobs found the Samoan warrior drifting near the reef. She saved his life by returning to the surface to give him some air. Similar to the movie, she brings him on shore to revive him and the rest is history! 

You will also notice familiar side characters swimming next to them, including Flounder. His design is based off a regal angelfish that are common in the Pacific Ocean. You might also recognize other schools of fish nearby!

Please feel free to critique my work and research. I am learning everyday about Polynesian culture but I hope this stirs interest and conversion about diversity and cultural exchange.

 Disney Princesses in Polynesia 
 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves - Hawaii
 Pixar's Brave - Fiji
 Cinderella - Tonga
 Beauty and the Beast - Aotearoa
 Mulan - Easter Island

The Little Mermaid © Walt Disney Studios
Disclaimer: I did not do the ocean background so I take no credit for it however I would like a shoutout to the person who did it! I need to practice creating my own backgrounds more often!
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