When you think of tribal tattoos, you might think of your favorite metal band or professional wrestler from the 1990s. But believe it or not, these tattoos, featuring bold lines and traditional patterns, have been around for thousands of years. Tribal tattoos are perhaps the first form of tattooing and have a rich history and deeper meaning than you might imagine.
Of course, anything goes in the modern tattoo world, but the tribal tattoo style is still here to stay. These tattoos were once intended to show social status or warrior prestige, but now it’s a matter of enjoying tattoo art as a form of self-expression.
While you might think that “tribal” in its broadest sense is all-encompassing, there are actually many subcategories of tribal tattoo styles from cultures around the world. In this article, we explore 10 types of tribal art tattoos, their origins, meanings, and characteristics.
1. Polynesians
Most of today’s most famous tribal tattoo designs are inspired by traditional Polynesian body art. Polynesia includes Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia, all located between Hawaii and New Zealand.
The bold, intricate patterns of these tattoos are immediately recognizable, consisting of elements such as spirals, stacked squares, connected waves, and symmetrical layouts.
There’s no denying that these tattoos look cool, but in Polynesian culture, their meaning goes beyond aesthetic appeal. The various designs in this art form represent family, class, personal achievements, or rites of passage for young people.
While the authentic way to get a Polynesian tribal tattoo like this is to use traditional Samoan tools like Samoan teeth and bones, a practical choice is to stick to modern techniques. You can also.
These tattoo designs are widely appreciated and culturally significant, which is why they are listed at the top of the list of best tribal tattoos around the world.
2. Maori
New Zealand’s indigenous people have tattoos similar to many Polynesian tribes, but there are some important differences to keep in mind.
First, Maori style avoids the more solid blocks of ink found in other tribal styles and features more intricate, spiraling, thin lines. Additionally, Maori tattoos make better use of blank space, taking advantage of the lack of ink to create discreet shapes on the skin.
Finally, you’ll notice other designs incorporated into Maori tattoos that may be excluded from other Polynesian styles. For example, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has a large Maori-style tattoo on his chest that features a sun face, while other tattoos include animals and natural symbols .
3. celtic
Celtic tribal inks are easily identified by elements such as knots, crosses, spirals, and natural elements such as animals, trees, leaves, and other plants. These designs originate from the ancient Celtic cultures of Europe, particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Many Celtic tribal tattoos also use intricate patterns and interwoven designs to tie together larger elements such as animals or crosses. The more you learn about Celtic mythology and its emphasis on the interconnectedness of life, the more you will understand the design of these traditional and modern forms.
You often see Celtic tattoos done on large sleeves or chests, but you can also choose stand-alone designs that incorporate completely Celtic features.
4. Nordic
Vikings have been prominent in Europe for hundreds of years, and their myths continue to live on in our stories today. Part of that mythology is embodied in tribal tattoos drawn from runes, gods, powerful creatures, objects, and symbols.
While many Scandinavian images and figures are easily recognizable, uniform sleeve designs like those found in Polynesian and Celtic tribal tattoos are less common. You’re more likely to see individual Nordic symbols incorporated into modern sleeve formats or interwoven with Celtic designs.
This doesn’t take away from the greatness of Scandinavian tribal design. In fact, there’s even more room to explore and innovate with tattoo styles old and new. From Thor’s hammer to arcane runes to ferocious Vikings, there are many options for Norse tribal ink.
Five. native american
Native American tattoos come from hundreds of different indigenous tribes, so be sure to research the details if you want to represent a particular region or people. However, many Native American symbols are now considered universal, such as feathers, arrows, dreamcatchers, and animal motifs.
Wolves, eagles, and bears are some of the common animal types represented in Native American tattoos, while others use geometric patterns to show harmony and balance. Many traditional tattoos depict Native American chiefs, warriors, women, or spiritual leaders.
Native American symbols may not be used in the form of sleeve tattoos, so consult your tattoo artist to create a stand-alone piece or build a patchwork effect using traditional symbols and features. please.
6. aztec tribe
Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs were known for producing stunning works of art that continue to be preserved in stone to this day. We don’t know the extent of their artistic ability, but many of these patterns live on in the form of tattoos.
Aztec design often uses complex geometric patterns and interlocking shapes such as triangles, squares, and circles in symmetrical compositions. Balance is very important in these designs, so think about it in advance when planning the breastplates and sleeves for the arms and legs.
Also, consider adding animals, mythological figures, and solar or calendar symbols to your Aztec tattoo design. The feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl is a popular animal that has stood the test of time, but more common animal motifs include eagles, jaguars, and birds. Earth elements such as water, earth, and plants fit perfectly into Aztec tattoo designs.
7. African descent
Africa has had thousands of tribes throughout its history, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific style that applies to modern tattoos. However, you can find some commonalities between many types of traditional artwork and make room for modern influences.
For example, symbols such as Aya (fern), Gwena (menacing crocodile), and Twiga giraffe are on the list of popular designs in Africa. The Duafe Andicula wooden comb is another favorite that comes from the Ashanti people.
North African tribal tattoos show many Arab and European influences in their designs, but the western and southern tribes also have distinct regional styles worth noting. The continent is home to so many artistic traditions, and there is no shortage of fascinating African tribal designs.
8. Sacred Geometry
We may not know exactly where sacred geometry came from, but we do know that it is not a new phenomenon. Some historians say these complex patterns emerged from early mathematicians like Pythagoras, while others suggest influences from the Middle East or even Asia.
Beautiful sacred geometry patterns that you can’t go wrong with. These tattoos are expertly crafted and applied with careful precision and balance. These designs can be customized to your unique musculature and body shape, and typically age well as well.
Keep in mind that more detailed geometric tattoos with fine lines can fade without proper aftercare and sun protection. When you get one of these designs, be prepared to maintain it carefully and modify it from time to time if necessary.
9. Japanese
Although we don’t usually think of Japanese tattoos as a tribal style, many of the same principles can be applied to this art form. Izumi or horimono tattoos emphasize flow, composition, and familiar motifs, providing a unique look associated with traditional Japanese art.
In many Japanese tattoo designs, you can find tattoos featuring dragons, cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and waves, especially detailed sleeve tattoos. Independent Japanese tattoos often depict images of samurai, geishas, ​​phoenixes, and other mythical creatures and masks.
For the full Japanese tattoo experience, consider traveling to the island and getting your tattoo done by hand from a local artist. These special needles can be time consuming (and may not be comfortable). Therefore, it’s a good idea to have tattoo numbing cream nearby to help you endure the session.
Ten. Hawaiian
Hawaiian tribal tattoos, also known as kakau, are considered sacred and play an important role in Native American identity. Polynesian influence is evident in these designs, which feature bold black inkwork and symmetrical patterns.
However, many symbols and animal motifs are unique to the Hawaiian Islands, such as shark teeth, fishhooks, sea turtles, and honeyeater birds. If you’re interested in the hand-tapping tattoo (using a precision chisel) method, it’s the most authentic way to get any type of Hawaiian tattoo.
The location of a Hawaiian tattoo is also important to the wearer. Arm tattoos bring protection and strength, while leg tattoos symbolize a connection to the land.
Add tribal tattoos to your collection
Tribal tattoos are mysterious, interesting, and beautiful. Before committing to a particular style, research the culture behind each tattoo type and familiarize yourself with the meaning and significance of the symbols.
Treat these designs with the respect they deserve, protect them with the right tools and treatments, and always wear them with pride.
source:
Tattoos: Ancient and Mysterious History | Smithsonian Magazine
Top 50 Best Tribal Tattoo Ideas | Tattoo
Tribal Design | I love knowing
A new generation is reviving indigenous tattoos | A complete history of Sapiens
