”Squid” is a nickname for submariners and it is not unusual in maritime tattoo to see a squid that stands for a submarine SAILOR. The squid is the subject of other tattoo designs as well, though, whether part of sea scenes or as an individual portrayal. Sometimes drifting and other times darting around, the squid can reach an enormous size and also can be found in deep water. It is thought that myths of sea monsters may have their foundation in the observation of these larger species. Little is known of them, however, and for OCEAN-goers they rightly represent some of the mystery of sea. Although the squid was a traditional Haida tattoo, we do not know its significance in traditional Haida culture, except to say that it was not used as a family crest (as are so many other designs). For the nearby Nootka people, however, the squid was the first master of fire. In their tale, the DEER steels fire from the squid (he lives both on land and in the sea) and gives it to mankind. The tattoo itself, like other historic tattoos of this region and era, is essentially line art, curved and flowing but simple. It shows the squid with two eyes, a mouth, and two curved arms and legs. Tattoo Symbol Meaning www.tattoobody.org