Top 43 Small Skull Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

The small skull tattoo is a classical tattoo designs in modern body art.

Symbolizing mortality, immortality and the dramatic interplay between life and death, skull tattoos embody the shadow side supremely beloved by tattoo enthusiasts worldwide.

Small skull tattoos remind the wearer and the world that all beings are part of the cosmic cycle of life and death. We take control back when we surrender to that most basic fact of existence.

Check out this gallery of the top 43 best skull tattoo ideas that will provide inspirations for your next tattoo design.

1. American Traditional Small Skull Tattoo Ideas

2. Forearm Small Skull Tattoos

3. Linework Small Skull Tattoo Ideas

4. Heavy Black Ink Skull Tattoo Ideas

5. Neo Traditional Small Skull Tattoos

6. Animal Themed Small Skull Tattoos

7. Classical Anatomical Small Skull Tattoo Ideas

8. Unique Small Skull Tattoo Ideas

9. Hand and Finger Small Skull Tattoos

10. Bold Black Traditional Small Skull Tattoos

Small Skull Tattoo FAQs

What do small skull tattoos symbolize?

Skull tattoos invariably represent death, decay, and the inexorable passing of time – but can also examine the duality and intertwining of life and death.

In outlaw culture the skull is a symbol of alienation and rebellion, a totem for those outside and on the fringes.

What are some spiritual symbols linked to skulls?

Skulls have been recognized as vital, imposing symbols since the beginning of history. Ancient Mayan ceremonies featured elaborate crystals skulls imbued with mystical powers, and ages-old Native American rituals used the skulls of humans and animals in righteous ceremonial dances.

Ancient Hindu art beautifully illustrates an incarnation of Shiva with a necklace made of skulls. Instead of death, the skulls represent time itself, and the immortal God Shiva outlasting the short lives of the mere mortals he encounters.

What are Calavera or sugar skull tattoos?

A Calavera is an artistic representation of a human skull used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead and the Roman Catholic holiday All Souls’ Day.

The term is most often applied to edible or decorative skulls made from sugar, clay, or plaster, however they’re also a prominent choice in tattoo art.

Female versions of the Calavera skull tattoo are known as La Catrina.