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I got this tattoo after my first field experience in the world of paleoanthropology. I spent 2 months in South Africa and Botswana, learning about human origins and ecology of southern Africa.

 

This piece itself is rock art of a San shaman in trance. They would enter a state of altered consciousness by intense dancing, audio-driving, and hyperventilation (not hallicinogenics). They likened this state to flying or swimming. Therefore, this image has subsequently been interpreted as a man-bird or man-fish.

 

Done