Rihanna
Rihanna shows off her new tattoo Tumblr

Rihanna’s newest tattoo is apparently a reminder of her tumultuous relationship with Chris Brown, according to the artists Inia Taylor and Tiki Taane. Earlier this week while in New Zealand as part of her “Diamonds” tour, the 25-year-old singer got a traditional Polynesian tattoo design on her right hand. The ink is filled with various ancient symbols.

Instead of using a traditional needle, Rihanna’s tattoo involved a chisel and mallet. Taylor explained the reason behind Rihanna getting the painful ink, telling Celebuzz that Rihanna explained it was all a part of her healing process regarding her on-and-off relationship with Brown, and other memories she wanted to forget.

“I didn’t realize she had such a hard time. Apparently she had such an a—hole of a boyfriend she said. The tattoo is just a reminder of the things in the past. Lord knows, she overcame a lot of that sh-t. It’s not about getting a tattoo, it’s a ceremony. Tattoos aren’t fashion. They are a way to get rid of pain in your life. You have to create pain to get over pain,” Taylor continued.

He went on to explain the symbols that Rihanna had inked on her hand. “The symbols involved are of dreams, hope, aspirations and navigation with Polynesian stars on her fingers.”

The singer got her last large tattoo last September, around her rib cage and beneath her breasts. It is a picture of a goddess and is in honor of her grandmother, Clara "Dolly" Brathwaite, who lost her battle with cancer in July. The Barbadian pop superstar has 19 tattoos already. They include stars on her back, and the phrases “rebelle fleur,” and “Never a failure always a lesson.”