When you think of tribal tattoos, you might think of your favorite metal bands or professional wrestlers from the 1990s. But believe it or not, these tattoos, characterized by bold lines and traditional patterns, have been around for thousands of years. Tribal tattoos are probably the first form of tattooing, and they have a richer history and deeper meaning than you might imagine.
Of course, anything goes in the modern tattoo world, and tribal tattoo styles remain perennially popular. Whereas these tattoos were once a way to show social status or warrior prestige, they are now more about self-expression and having fun with tattoo art in general.
While you might think the broad concept of “tribal” is all-encompassing, there are actually many subcategories of tribal tattoo styles that originate from cultures around the world. In this article, we’ll explore 10 types of tribal art tattoos, their origins, meanings, and characteristics.
1. Polynesia
Most of today’s most famous tribal tattoo designs are inspired by traditional Polynesian body art, which includes Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia, all located between Hawaii and New Zealand.
With elements such as spirals, stacked squares, linked waves and symmetrical layouts, the bold, intricate patterns of these tattoos are instantly recognisable.
There’s no denying that these tattoos are 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.
Traditional Samoan tools such as shark teeth and bones are an authentic way to get a Polynesian tribal tattoo like this one, but you can also stick to modern techniques for a practical option.
These tattoo designs are widely appreciated and hold great cultural significance, which is why they rank among the best tribal tattoos around the world.
2. Maori
The indigenous people of New Zealand have tattoos similar to many Polynesian tribes, but there are some important differences to remember.
Firstly, Maori style features more intricate spiraling and thin lines than other tribal styles. Additionally, Maori tattoos make better use of blank space and the lack of ink creates shapes on the skin that would normally go unnoticed.
Finally, you’ll notice that Maori tattoos incorporate designs not included in other Polynesian styles – for example, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has a large Maori-style tattoo of the sun’s face on his chest, while other tattoos include animals and nature symbols.
3. Celts
Celtic ink is instantly identifiable with its natural elements such as knots, crosses, swirls, animals, trees, leaves and other plants. These designs originate from the ancient Celtic cultures of Europe, especially Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Many Celtic tattoos also use intricate patterns and interwoven designs to link larger elements such as animals or crosses. The more you know about Celtic mythology and its teachings that emphasize the interconnectedness of life, the better you will understand these designs in their traditional and modern forms.
Celtic tattoos are often done on large sleeves or chest areas, but you can also choose a stand-alone design that incorporates Celtic features but is not too flashy.
4. Norway
The Vikings were active in Europe for hundreds of years and their mythology still lives on in our stories, some of which is embodied in tribal tattoos that draw from runes, gods, powerful creatures, objects and symbols.
While many of the Nordic images and figures are easily recognizable, the uniform sleeve designs seen in Polynesian and Celtic tribal tattoos are less common. You’re more likely to see individual Nordic symbols incorporated into modern sleeve forms or interwoven with Celtic designs.
This doesn’t take away from the awesomeness of Nordic tribal designs – in fact, it gives more room to explore and innovate with new and old tattoo styles. From Thor’s hammer to cryptic runes to fearless Vikings, Nordic tribal tattoos offer a wide variety of options.
5. Native Americans
Native American tattoos come from hundreds of different indigenous tribes, so be sure to research the details if you want to represent a specific region or people, but many Native American symbols, such as feathers, arrows, dream catchers, and animal motifs, are now considered universal.
Wolves, eagles, and bears are some of the most common animal types in Native American tattoos, but some also feature geometric patterns that represent harmony and balance. Many traditional tattoos feature Native American chiefs, warriors, women, and spiritual leaders.
Native American symbols aren’t often seen used in the form of sleeve tattoos, so consult with a tattoo artist to create a stand-alone piece or combine traditional symbols and features to create a patchwork effect.
6. Aztec
Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs are known for creating incredible works of art that continue to be preserved in stone to this day. Although we don’t know the extent of their artistic talent, many of these patterns live on in the form of tattoos.
Aztec designs often feature intricate geometric patterns and interlocking shapes such as triangles, squares, and circles arranged symmetrically. Balance is very important in these designs, so think carefully beforehand when planning your breastplate and arm and leg sleeves.
Also consider adding animals, mythological figures, and solar or calendar symbols to your Aztec tattoo design. The feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl remains a timeless favorite, but some of the more common animal motifs include eagles, jaguars, and birds. Earthly elements like water, earth, and plants make a great addition to any Aztec tattoo design.
7. Africa
Historically, there have been thousands of tribes in Africa, so it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific style that translates to modern tattooing, but you can find commonalities and modern influences among many types of traditional artwork.
For example, symbols such as the Aya (fern), Ngwena (menacing crocodile) and Twiga Giraffe are all on the list of popular African designs. The Duafe Andikula wooden comb is another popular design that originates from the Ashanti people.
North African tribal tattoo designs show Arabic and European influences, but western and southern tribes also have their own distinctive regional styles worth noting. With so many artistic traditions across the African continent, there’s no shortage of fascinating African tribal designs.
8. Sacred Geometry
It’s unclear exactly where sacred geometry came from, but it’s certainly not a new phenomenon: Some historians say these complex patterns originated from earlier mathematicians like Pythagoras, while others suggest influences from the Middle East or even further into Asia.
There’s no mistaking the beautiful sacred geometric designs. These tattoos are expertly crafted and meticulously applied with precision and balance. Combined with your unique musculature and body type, these designs are highly personalized and usually long-lasting.
Be aware that tattoos with finer lines and more detailed geometric designs may fade without proper aftercare and sun protection, so if you get a tattoo of this design, be prepared to maintain it carefully and have it touched up from time to time if necessary.
9. Japanese
While we don’t often think of Japanese tattoos as a tribal style, many of the same principles can be applied to this art form. Irezumi, or horimono tattoos, offer a distinctive look associated with traditional Japanese art, with an emphasis on flow, composition, and familiar motifs.
Many Japanese tattoo designs, especially detailed sleeve designs, feature tattoos featuring dragons, cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and waves. Standalone Japanese tattoos often feature images of samurai, geishas, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures and masks.
To complete your Japanese tattoo experience, consider traveling to the island and getting a hand-drawn tattoo by a local artist. These specialized needles can make the procedure longer (and less comfortable), so we recommend keeping some tattoo numbing cream nearby to make the process more bearable.
10. Hawaiian
Hawaiian tribal tattoos, also known as kakau, are considered sacred and play an important role in indigenous identity. Featuring bold black ink work and symmetrical patterns, these designs have a clear Polynesian influence.
However, many symbols and animal motifs are unique to the Hawaiian Islands, such as shark teeth, fish hooks, sea turtles, honeyeaters, etc. If you want to try the hand tapping tattoo technique (using precision chisels), it is the most authentic way to get any kind of Hawaiian tattoo.
The location of a Hawaiian tattoo also holds significance to the person getting it: arm tattoos signify protection and strength, while leg tattoos symbolize a connection to the land.
Add a Tribal Tattoo to Your Collection
Tribal tattoos are mysterious, intriguing and beautiful. Before committing to a particular style, be sure to research the culture behind each tattoo type and fully understand the meaning and significance of the symbols.
Treat these designs with the respect they deserve, protect them with the proper tools and treatments, and always wear them with pride.
source:
Tattoos: An Ancient and Mysterious History | Smithsonian Magazine
Top 50 Best Tribal Tattoo Ideas | Tattoodo
Tribal Design | What you want to know
New generation revives indigenous tattoos | Sapiens
